By Nura Ahmad Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise have continued to arrive in the holy city of Madinah, where officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria are intensifying efforts to ensure smooth accommodation, feeding, transportation, and spiritual guidance for pilgrims.
The arrival of the pilgrims marks the beginning of another spiritual journey for thousands of Nigerian Muslims participating in this year’s Hajj exercise.
Since the commencement of the airlift operations, pilgrims from different states across the country have continued to arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under coordinated arrangements by NAHCON and various state pilgrims welfare boards.
In Madinah, officials are focusing on providing adequate accommodation, feeding, transportation, and medical support to ensure that pilgrims settle comfortably before proceeding to Makkah for the next phase of the pilgrimage..
Many of the pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the reception and welfare arrangements put in place by the Commission since their arrival in the holy city.
Some pilgrims described the atmosphere in Madinah as peaceful and spiritually uplifting, noting that the opportunity to pray at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi has made the experience deeply memorable.
One of the pilgrims, Muhammad Salis commended the level of organisation throughout the journey, saying the exercise had been orderly and well coordinated.
“We are enjoying what we call orderliness and due process. Nobody was complaining and nobody was in haste. We know we are serving Allah and we pray Allah rewards everybody abundantly,” the pilgrim said.
Another pilgrim Olamide expressed joy at finally being able to perform Hajj after several unsuccessful attempts in previous years.
“I have been trying to come for about three times, but this year Allah made it possible for me. I am happy that I made it and I pray all my prayers will be answered,” the pilgrim stated.
A female pilgrim, Ramlat Ibrahim who described the exercise as smooth from Nigeria to Madinah, said pilgrims were promptly attended to upon arrival.
“We came into Madinah this morning and immediately we arrived, we were given our rooms before going for prayers. Starting from Lagos, everything was very good and we were treated well,” she said.
Officials have also continued to organise enlightenment sessions to educate pilgrims on Hajj rites, safety guidelines, and proper conduct throughout the pilgrimage..
Religious scholars accompanying the contingents are conducting regular lectures and guidance sessions to enlighten pilgrims on the spiritual obligations and significance of Hajj.
Medical teams deployed by NAHCON are equally on ground to provide healthcare services and attend to pilgrims requiring medical attention.
With pilgrims gradually settling into Madinah ahead of their movement to Makkah, officials say preparations are ongoing to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation for all Nigerian contingents.