ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to sustain efforts to improve service delivery and prioritise the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
Ahmed made the appeal during a courtesy visit to NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, at the Hajj House in Abuja.
The visit provided an opportunity for the former SGF to commend the commission’s ongoing efforts and encourage its leadership to maintain its focus on pilgrims’ needs as preparations for the next pilgrimage gather momentum.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by NAHCON’s Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Mohammed, Ahmed praised the progress recorded under Yusuf’s leadership, particularly the emphasis on the welfare of pilgrims.
He stressed the importance of sustaining improvements that would make the Hajj experience more comfortable, efficient and satisfactory for Nigerians travelling to Saudi Arabia for the annual religious exercise.
Ahmed Emphasises Pilgrims’ Welfare
Ahmed’s appeal comes as preparations for the 2027 Hajj require coordination among NAHCON, state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators and Saudi Arabian authorities.
The former SGF’s message highlights the need for effective administration and reliable services throughout the pilgrimage process, including arrangements that affect pilgrims before departure, during their stay in Saudi Arabia and on their return to Nigeria.
NAHCON is responsible for regulating and coordinating Nigeria’s Hajj operations, working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that pilgrims receive appropriate support and that the exercise complies with Nigerian and Saudi Arabian requirements.
Ahmed’s intervention adds to calls for continued attention to service quality, accountability and the dignity of pilgrims.
NAHCON Welcomes Former SGF’s Advice
Responding to the visit, Yusuf described Ahmed as an important stakeholder whose administrative experience, knowledge and insights remained valuable to the Hajj sector.
The NAHCON chairman thanked the former SGF for his continued interest in the commission’s activities and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
He also indicated that the commission would continue to draw on the experience and counsel of stakeholders as it pursues reforms aimed at strengthening Hajj administration and improving service delivery.
The engagement reflects the importance of cooperation between the commission and experienced public officials in addressing operational challenges associated with the annual pilgrimage.
Preparations For 2027 Hajj
NAHCON has outlined reforms intended to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in Hajj administration, including greater use of digital systems and early planning.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia recently approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria, raising the country’s allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 places.
The commission said the additional allocation comprises 7,500 slots for state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions, and 2,500 slots for seven lead tour operator companies.
The increase in the national quota makes effective planning and service coordination particularly important to ensure that pilgrims are properly accommodated and supported.
NAHCON has reiterated its commitment to making Hajj affordable and accessible while maintaining service standards and complying with applicable 2027.
Ahmed’s call reinforces the expectation that preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage should go beyond securing slots to ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive adequate attention, efficient services and appropriate welfare support throughout their spiritual journey.
