The Independent Hajj Reporters has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for completing the 2026 outbound airlift of Nigerian pilgrims within schedule, describing it as an operational milestone that largely met projections despite some logistical challenges.
In its second assessment report released in Makkah, the IHR 2026 Hajj Media Monitoring Team said the establishment of new embarkation points in Zamfara and Ogun states had eased travel for pilgrims from those states, eliminating the need for long interstate journeys before departure to Saudi Arabia.
“The initiative has significantly reduced travel stress and improved safety for pilgrims,” the report, signed by committee Chairman Malam Nasiru Lawal, stated.
However, the team noted that the new centres had increased the logistical burden on Hajj air carriers and stretched the human resource capacity of NAHCON. It said more zonal officials were now required at the airports, and airlines needed additional ground personnel, a development that could raise operational costs in future exercises.
The offshore monitoring team also gave a largely positive assessment of pilgrims’ welfare in Madinah, citing improved accommodation standards and the proximity of hotels to Masjid Al-Nabawi. IHR commended NAHCON for retaining the Markaziya locations for Nigerian pilgrims, saying it had enhanced comfort and access to the Prophet’s Mosque.
The report urged NAHCON and state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to reduce delays in allocating accommodation to arriving pilgrims in Madinah to cut waiting times on arrival. Feeding arrangements were said to have improved compared to previous years, though the team called for greater variety in menu options.
IHR described the launch of NAHCON’s interactive Hajj Companion App as a major step toward digitalising Hajj operations, particularly in coordinating pilgrims’ movement and orientation. It said the app could evolve into Nigeria’s version of the Nusuk platform and recommended that NAHCON partner with state boards and private tour operators to make it more comprehensive.
As the Masha’ir rites begin, the team urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure pilgrims perform their rites under comfortable conditions and avoid politicising Hajj services.
It said further interim reports will be issued after the completion of the Hajj rites.
