The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has renegotiated the cost of feeding services in Madinah, resulting in savings and refund of the difference directly to pilgrims.
NAHCON’s Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, disclosed in his Arafat Day message to Nigerian pilgrims on Tuesday.
Yusuf said the feat was achieved because the Commission was established as a response to many of the challenges that once affected Hajj administration in Nigeria.
He said it remains committed to upholding the vision of its founding fathers with dedication, discipline, and sincerity of purpose.
He acknowledged the critical support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he said his determined leadership and support are responsible for the modest successes recorded in the 2026 Hajj airlift and management.
Similarly, he thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima for providing direction and ensuring the effective implementation of relevant policies, adding that Nigerian pilgrims remain deeply grateful for the continued support from the Presidency.
Yusuf pointed out that NAHCON has continued to study the experiences of previous and current Hajj operations with the aim of improving its processes and enhancing the welfare and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims.
He added: “We have indeed come a long way from the days when pilgrims spent long periods in transit camps awaiting airlift to the more coordinated and efficient Hajj operations we witness today.
“Yet, despite the progress made, we remain conscious that there is still room for improvement.
“Following the spiritually significant gathering at Arafat, where all mankind stands equal before the Creator, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to reviewing the operational challenges observed during this Hajj exercise, correcting identified shortcomings and strengthening supervision in order to better safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.”
He thanked the Commission’s stakeholders, partners and especially pilgrims, assuring that the body remains determined to justify the confidence reposed in it.
Similarly, he appreciated the management and staff of NAHCON, whose selfless service, he indicated, transformed challenges into coordination, pressure into performance and duty into devotion throughout the Hajj exercise.
Yusuf said: “To our dear pilgrims, we wish to assure you that adequate measures have been put in place to guarantee a safe, swift and seamless return journey after Hajj.
“As we observe the Day of Arafat, may Allah accept our prayers, forgive our shortcomings and guide us to choose sacrifice over selfishness, unity over division and wisdom over frustration.”
The Eagle Online reports that Nigerian pilgrims on Tuesday joined millions of Muslims across the world on the sacred Day of Arafat.
The Day of Arafat stands as the pinnacle of Hajj.
It is a day of mercy, forgiveness, supplication and total submission to Almighty Allah.
