VP Shettima Sets New Hajj Benchmark After NAHCON’s 2026 Operation Review
Vice President says the 2026 pilgrimage operation should become the standard for future exercises as NAHCON outlines reforms linked to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Vice President’s Office, in a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, said His Excellence, Senator Kashim Shettima commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its handling of the 2026 Hajj operation.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday when he received the NAHCON board and management, alongside representatives of state pilgrims’ welfare boards, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the delegation presented a review of the recently concluded pilgrimage and outlined plans for future operations.
The Vice President said the performance recorded during the 2026 Hajj should serve as a benchmark as Nigeria moves towards developing a more sustainable system capable of delivering a fully hitch-free pilgrimage experience.
He commended the coordination among the various agencies involved in the operation, saying the outcome reflected the commitment of stakeholders to improving services for Nigerian pilgrims.
“Your performance in the 2026 exercise should be the benchmark going forward,” Shettima told the delegation, as authorities prepare for further reforms aimed at strengthening Hajj administration.
The meeting followed a briefing by NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, who presented an overview of the 2026 Hajj exercise and updated the Vice President on emerging changes in Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage management framework.
Ambassador Yusuf said Saudi authorities were moving towards a more sustainable business-to-business model in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms, with greater involvement of private operators in the delivery of pilgrimage services.
He explained that the new approach would see private tour operators assume responsibility for a larger share of pilgrim services, while NAHCON retains its regulatory and oversight role.
According to him, Saudi Arabia’s decision to transition to the new model reflects a broader transformation of the Hajj sector, with emphasis on efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery.
He said the Commission was already taking steps to prepare for the changes, assuring that NAHCON remained committed to improving services for Nigerian pilgrims under the evolving framework.
The meeting comes as Nigeria begins preparations for future Hajj seasons amid changes in Saudi Arabia’s pilgrimage administration framework under Vision 2030.
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