National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj and commenced preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage.
In a statement issued yesterday, the commission said the final flight conveying pilgrims from Zamfara State was expected to arrive in Nigeria yesterday, bringing the 2026 hajj operations to a close.
NAHCON said the completion of the return airlift marked the end of a nationwide exercise that involved transporting thousands of Nigerian pilgrims to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
However, the commission disclosed that 12 Nigerian pilgrims remain in Saudi Arabia, receiving treatment at various hospitals for various health conditions.
According to the statement, NAHCON is closely monitoring their medical conditions and has put in place arrangements to ensure their safe return to Nigeria upon discharge.
NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Allah for the overall success of the 2026 Hajj operation and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for their support throughout the exercise.
He also praised the contributions of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, media organisations and Nigerian pilgrims for their cooperation and dedication.
The Commission acknowledged that some challenges were encountered during the operation but noted that important lessons had been learned and would be used to improve future Hajj exercises.
“Valuable lessons have been drawn, and these will be applied toward improving subsequent Hajj operations,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, NAHCON announced that preparations for the 1448H/2027 Hajj season have already begun, in line with its commitment to early planning and operational efficiency.
The Commission said all Hajj managers across the country had been formally notified through a circular dated 15 June 2026, titled “Commencement of Preparations for 1448H/2027 Hajj Season”, and signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Ali, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
As part of the preparations, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators, have been directed to commence planning activities immediately in line with guidelines issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
NAHCON said the early commencement of preparations was aimed at ensuring a smoother, more efficient pilgrimage for Nigerian pilgrims in 2027.
