2026 Hajj: NAHCON concludes return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially completed the return journey for more than 38,000 Nigerian pilgrims following the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The final flight carrying pilgrims from Zamfara state was scheduled to arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of this year's Hajj operations.

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NAHCON is closely monitoring their situations and has made arrangements to facilitate their safe return to Nigeria as soon as they are discharged from the hospitals.

While the main operation is over, 12 Nigerian pilgrims are currently receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabian hospitals for different health conditions. NAHCON is closely monitoring their progress and has arranged for their safe return once they are discharged. The commission extended its gratitude to various stakeholders, including state welfare boards, tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, and the pilgrims themselves, acknowledging the challenges inherent in such a large-scale operation.

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NAHCON also appreciates the cooperation and hard work of state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, the media and, most importantly, Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON emphasized that valuable lessons were learned from the 2026 exercise, which will inform improvements for future Hajj operations. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and early planning, the commission has already initiated preparations for the 2027 Hajj. A circular dated June 15 directed all Hajj managers in Nigeria, including state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed private tour operators, to commence preparatory activities immediately.

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The commission acknowledges that, as with every major operation of this scale, there were challenges encountered in the course of the exercise.

These preparations must strictly adhere to the official guidelines provided by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the 2027 Hajj season. The Chairman of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Yusuf, expressed profound gratitude to Allah for the overall success of the 2026 Hajj and thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support.

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This was conveyed to all Hajj managers in Nigeria through a circular dated June 15.