…Commends commission’s renewed operational efficiency, urges consolidation of gains
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday attributed the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise to the leadership and unwavering support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, even as he commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for what he described as its renewed vigour and improved operational performance.
Shettima spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving the comprehensive report of the 2026 Hajj operations from the leadership of NAHCON, led by its Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf.
The Vice President said the achievements recorded during the pilgrimage reflected the federal government’s deliberate efforts to strengthen Hajj administration, improve service delivery and place the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims at the centre of policy implementation.
He noted that the support provided by President Tinubu, coupled with effective inter-agency collaboration and the commitment of key stakeholders, contributed significantly to the seamless execution of the exercise.
According to him, the 2026 Hajj operation demonstrated the capacity of public institutions to deliver efficient services when guided by clear leadership, strategic planning and accountability.
Shettima specifically praised NAHCON for sustaining reforms aimed at enhancing coordination, improving logistics and ensuring a more seamless pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He observed that the positive reviews from pilgrims and stakeholders were indicative of the commission’s growing institutional capacity and commitment to excellence.
The Vice President urged the commission to build on the successes recorded, stressing that continuous improvement, innovation and stakeholder engagement would remain critical to sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s Hajj management system.
Earlier, Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Yusuf, presented the comprehensive report of the 2026 Hajj exercise, detailing key operational achievements, policy interventions, challenges encountered and recommendations for future pilgrimages.
He said the report represented a thorough assessment of the exercise and was intended to serve as a roadmap for strengthening subsequent Hajj operations.
Yusuf noted that the commission remained committed to deepening ongoing reforms and working closely with all stakeholders to further improve service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.
The presentation of the report marks the formal conclusion of the 2026 Hajj cycle and provides an opportunity for government and stakeholders to review outcomes, institutionalise lessons learnt and chart a course for future improvements.
For many observers, the exercise has become a reference point in the ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s Hajj administration, improve operational efficiency and reinforce accountability across the pilgrimage value chain.