From Garba Abdullahi Bagwai Kano.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has defended its decision during the last Hajj operation to secure accommodation in Makkah for pilgrims from some states, saying the intervention was necessary to prevent the affected states from losing accommodation for their pilgrims.
Some State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies had described the decision as interference in matters that were not the commission’s responsibility.
However, the commission explained that the action was taken as an emergency measure after it became apparent that some states might not secure suitable accommodation for their pilgrims within the stipulated period, a situation that could have jeopardised their participation in the Hajj.
Speaking exclusively with Citizenship Daily in Kano on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Science (PRISLS), Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, said the commission has the mandate to intervene in Hajj operations whenever there are indications of problems that could disrupt the exercise.
He said such interventions could be made both within Nigeria and in the Holy Land, particularly where the commission considers it necessary to protect the interests and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
The commissioner who spoke extensively on the payment of hajj fee dadeline,noting that failure for intending pilgrims to complete his payment may lead him to miss next year hajj, and there is no plan of extension when the dateline expired.
He said normally delay in the payment of hajj fee by Nigerian pilgrims may affect commission efforts in securing a decent accomdation very closed to haram and other places such as muna and arafat, saying that many countries begin paying for accommodation for the following year’s Hajj shortly after completing the current Hajj operation.
“Therefore, we must change our habit of making late payments because late payment will definitely lead to pilgrims getting accommodation farther away from the Haram,” he said.
Professor Yagawal reiterated NAHCON’s determination to comply with all rules and policies introduced by the Saudi authorities regarding Hajj and Umrah operations.
“Saudi policies on Hajj and Umrah apply to every Muslim country, and we will continue to do our best to comply with them,” he said.
The commissioner also urged all intending pilgrims to ensure that they complete payment of their Hajj fares before the expiration of the dadeline in the next coming days as directed.
NAHCON announced September 26, 2026 as the deadline for states to complete data uploads for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The commission further fixed December 2, 2026 as the deadline for states to remit Hajj fares.
Professor Yagawal also cautioned Nigerians against relying on speculation that Saudi Arabia would allocate additional Hajj slots to Nigeria.
He said there was no official indication of any additional allocation at the moment and advised intending pilgrims not to be misled by unconfirmed information.
“I also advise all intending pilgrims from Nigeria to learn how to perform Hajj according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They should also ensure compliance with the laws and regulations of the Saudi authorities while in the Holy Land,” he said.
He again stressed the need for pilgrims to pay their Hajj fares early and within the stipulated deadline as it was constantly announced by state pilgrim welfare Agencies.
On the role of tour operators, the commissioner described them as important partners in the successful conduct of Hajj operations, assured them that NAHCON remained committed to working with all registered tour operators to achieve the objectives of the pilgrimage.
“We are currently in discussions with tour operators and other stakeholders from the state pilgrims’ agencies on issues relating to Hajj slots and other matters that will contribute to the success of the 2027 Hajj operation.
“I am optimistic that the meetings will produce fruitful results, and I assure Nigerians that the next Hajj operation will be different in terms of pilgrims’ welfare in Makkah, Madinah, Muna and Arafat,” he said.
