Final Pilgrims Return as NAHCON Opens 2027 Hajj Planning
With the final batch of pilgrims returning home, the commission says planning for next year’s pilgrimage is already underway.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially concluded the return airlift phase of the 2026 Hajj exercise, bringing to an end one of the country’s largest annual religious and logistical operations.
The commission announced that the final flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara State was scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on Monday, 23 June, marking the completion of the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage.
The conclusion of the return operation effectively draws the curtain on the 2026 Hajj season for Nigeria, following weeks of coordinated transportation, accommodation, healthcare and welfare services involving thousands of pilgrims across the country.
Despite the successful completion of the airlift programme, NAHCON disclosed that 12 Nigerian pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia receiving medical treatment for various health conditions.
According to the commission, the affected pilgrims are currently undergoing care in different Saudi hospitals, with arrangements already in place to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria once they are discharged by medical authorities.
In a statement issued at the conclusion of the operation, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for what he described as the overall success of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for their support throughout the operation, noting that the successful execution of the pilgrimage exercise required cooperation across multiple levels of government and stakeholder institutions.
The commission further acknowledged the contributions of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, licensed tour operators, aviation partners, medical personnel, security agencies, service providers and members of the media, alongside the pilgrims themselves.
NAHCON noted that while the exercise recorded significant achievements, challenges were encountered during some stages of the operation. However, the commission said valuable lessons had been identified and would be incorporated into future planning and operational strategies.
“Every Hajj exercise presents unique challenges and opportunities for improvement,” the commission stated, adding that the experiences gained during the 2026 operation would help strengthen future pilgrim services and logistics.
Even as the final phase of the 2026 pilgrimage comes to a close, NAHCON says preparations for the next Hajj season are already underway.
The commission revealed that it has formally commenced planning activities for the 1448H/2027 Hajj exercise in line with its policy of early preparation and continuous improvement.
According to NAHCON, a circular dated 15 June 2026 and titled “Commencement of Preparations for 1448H/2027 Hajj Season” has already been forwarded to Hajj administrators nationwide.
The circular, signed by the Secretary of the Commission, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Ali, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, directs State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators, to begin preparatory activities immediately.
The commission said all stakeholders are expected to comply strictly with the official preparation framework issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the forthcoming pilgrimage season.
The early commencement of preparations reflects growing efforts by both Nigerian and Saudi authorities to improve planning timelines, strengthen coordination and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience for intending pilgrims.
With the last return flight now completed and attention shifting to next year’s exercise, NAHCON says its focus remains on ensuring that lessons from 2026 translate into more efficient, safer and more seamless Hajj operations in the years ahead.
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