By Shafii Sani Mohammed The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, has reiterated NAHCON’s resolve to enhance efficiency in the delivery of pilgrims services by alligning its operations with its Service Provider Company to prevent challenges experienced in 2025.
He made this known in Abuja during a strategic meeting with officials of Mashariq Aldhahabiya, led by its Board Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Amin Hassan Andangiri. The Saudi-based firm that will oversees all services provided to Nigerian pilgrims’ under Government quota in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Abba mentioned that lessons have been learnt from the challenges recorded in the previous exercise such as data mismatch between flight manifests, contract numbers and accommodation allocations which disrupted smoth processing of pilgrims.
Both parties agreed to prioritise strict visa processing timelines, accurate data uploads and verification of accommodation contracts before departure. NAHCON will intensify compliance checks at departure centres to ensure manifest and building allocations correspond with approved records.
It was also agreed that a joint Situation Room will be established to provide real-time updates and swiftly address operational issues.
The engagement forms part of NAHCON’s broader strategy to ensure a smooth Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.