This report captures reflections from Nigerian pilgrims who performed Hajj 2026 under the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). While they participated in the spiritual rites of Hajj as pilgrims, they also contributed in various administrative, religious, and supervisory roles within the Nigerian Hajj operations in the Holy Land. They shared their inspiring stories with Muslim News.
* Pilgrims promise to uphold lessons of piety, brotherhood and discipline
* As NAHCON moves over 3,000 pilgrims home within two days
For Alhaji Musa Wada, a stakeholder with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) from Kogi State, Hajj 2026 was more than a pilgrimage. It was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream he once thought impossible.
Coming from a background where even boarding an aircraft once seemed out of reach, Alhaji Wada described standing before the Holy Kaaba as a deeply emotional and transformative experience that reshaped his understanding of life, destiny, and faith.
He said, “Participating in Hajj 2026 is one of the greatest blessings of my life. It is a dream come true and an experience that words can hardly describe.”
Alhaji Wada told Muslim News that his journey to Makkah was shaped by a combination of divine mercy and human compassion, especially through the intervention of Hajia Aishat Obi, Commissioner representing the South East on the NAHCON board.
He noted that her intervention removed financial barriers that initially prevented him from processing his travel documents.
According to him, “When she called and asked me to submit my passport, I honestly told her that I did not even have the money to process it. Without hesitation, she sent me the money needed, and from that moment, the journey began.”
He added, “What makes the story even more remarkable is that I told her I had never boarded an airplane in my life. She simply laughed and assured me that I would be going for Hajj.”
The first time pilgrim further noted that by the grace of Allah, he was able not only to board an aircraft but also to successfully perform Hajj in the Holy Land.
“Today, by the grace of Allah, I have not only boarded an aircraft but have successfully performed Hajj in the Holy Land. This experience has strengthened my belief that when Allah has destined something for you, He creates the means and sends people to assist you,” he said.
The defining moment: Arafat
Like many pilgrims, Alhaji Wada said the most powerful moment of his Hajj was standing on the plains of Arafat among over 1.74 million Muslims from different nations, races, and backgrounds who performed the pilgrimage this year.
He said, “My most powerful experience was standing on the plains of Arafat among millions of Muslims from different nations, races, and backgrounds, all united in worship and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.”
He added that the moment reminded him of the Day of Judgment and the equality of all mankind before Allah.
“It reminded me of the Day of Judgment and the equality of all mankind before Allah,” he said.
A spiritual transformation beyond rites
According to him, Hajj has permanently changed his outlook on life. He said, “Hajj has strengthened my faith, increased my patience, and deepened my relationship with Allah. It taught me humility, gratitude, sacrifice and complete submission to the will of Allah.”
He stressed that Hajj is not just a ritual but a lifelong commitment to personal transformation.
“Hajj is not just a journey. It is a lifelong commitment to positive change,” he said.
Alhaji Wada pledged to sustain prayer, kindness, unity, and honesty after returning home, adding that the lessons of Hajj must reflect in daily life and social relation
Maimuna Osinachi Egwu: Hajj teaches equality and unity
Across other testimonies, pilgrims who spoke with Muslim News consistently highlighted similar themes of spiritual renewal, unity, patience, and humility before Allah.
Alhaja Maimuna Osinachi Egwu, the first female member of NAHCON’s National Ulama Team from Ebonyi State, described Hajj as a powerful reminder of human equality.
The National Women Leader of the Igbo Muslim Association for Support and Relief said it felt good performing Hajj 2026 under NAHCON, noting that she also participated the previous year.
According to her, NAHCON provided commendable welfare services, including accommodation, crowd management, and safety coordination.
She said, “The most powerful experience in Hajj is the unison and uniformity. Hajj teaches everyone to do the same thing at the same time regardless of ethnicity, race and colour.”
Alhaja Egwu explained that the pilgrimage removes all forms of social distinction and places everyone equally before Allah, with superiority based only on piety.
She further emphasized that patience remains one of the most important lessons of Hajj, adding that she intends to sustain unity across ethnic groups after returning home.
Ahmad Rasheed Taqwallah: Arafat remains the peak of spiritual emotion
Ustadh Ahmad Rasheed Taqwallah, an Ulama member from Imo State, described his second Hajj experience as deeply emotional and spiritually uplifting.
He said the most powerful moment was standing at Arafat and making sincere supplication to Allah.
He noted that Hajj strengthened his patience, faith, and commitment to moral discipline, adding that he intends to improve his character and avoid wrongdoing after returning home.
Alhaji Haruna Mukhtar: Hajj changed my outlook on life
Alhaji Haruna Mukhtar, a stakeholder from Yobe State, praised improvements in Nigeria’s Hajj operations, especially coordination across the holy sites.
He described the services as well organized, particularly in accommodation, feeding, and pilgrim movement between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
He said Hajj changed his attitude and perspective on life and pledged to become a better leader and citizen.
He recommended additional toilet facilities in Mina to further improve pilgrim welfare.
Hajiya Sa’adatu Adamu: “A dream come true”
Hajiya Sa’adatu Adamu, a stakeholder from Jigawa State, described Hajj 2026 as a dream fulfilled and a deeply enriching spiritual journey.
She said she travelled under NAHCON and rated the services as very good, particularly accommodation, feeding, transportation, and guidance.
She expressed gratitude to Allah and appreciated the sponsorship and nomination she received from Hajia Aishat Ahmad Obi, Commissioner representing the South East, noting that her support covered both her pilgrimage and unexpected accommodation needs during a flight delay.
Hajiya Sa’adatu described her most powerful moment as standing at Arafat, where she experienced deep reflection, humility, and spiritual connection with Allah.
She said Hajj increased her faith, patience, gratitude, and commitment to Islamic teachings, and pledged to continue living as a good ambassador of Islam through kindness, honesty, and service to others.
Alhaja Hurairah Rabiu: “Seeing the Kaaba was overwhelming”
Alhaja Hurairah Rabiu, an Ulama member from Katsina State, described Hajj 2026 as one of the most memorable experiences of his life.
He said it was his first Hajj and a deeply emotional spiritual milestone.
He described the most powerful moment as seeing and touching the Kaaba for the first time.
He said, “It was an overwhelming and emotional moment that filled my heart with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of connection with Allah.”
He explained that Hajj strengthened his faith, increased his consciousness of Allah, and inspired greater patience and gratitude.
He pledged to improve his character, treat people kindly, and maintain closeness to Allah through good deeds.
Pilgrims begin return journey as NAHCON airlifts over 3,000
Meanwhile, the commission has continued the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims back home following the completion of the 2026 Hajj exercise, with operations entering a steady phase across multiple airlines.
According to official data from NAHCON’s Command and Control Centre in Makkah, the return operation began on Wednesday, June 3 and has since recorded consistent daily movements of pilgrims to Nigeria.
Pilgrims also commended NAHCON for its management of the 2026 Hajj operation, particularly in accommodation, feeding arrangements, and overall pilgrims’ welfare.
As of Friday, June 5, 2026, additional flights further boosted the return schedule. Today, June 5, 2026, Air Peace Flight AP07901 departed Jeddah for Lagos at 18:19hrs, carrying 314 Oyo State pilgrims and two officials.
With this latest movement, the total airlifts now stand at 3,081 pilgrims transported across eight completed flights.
Officials said the structured airlift operation is designed to ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient return of all Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Beyond Hajj rites: a shared spiritual awakening
Across all accounts, pilgrims agreed that Hajj is not only a religious obligation but a transformative journey that reshapes character and strengthens moral consciousness.
From the plains of Arafat to the simple unity of ihram, pilgrims described a powerful reminder that all humans stand equal before Allah and that true honour lies only in righteousness.
As return flights continue, Nigerian pilgrims leave the Holy Land with renewed faith and a shared commitment to live by the lessons of Hajj through patience, humility, unity, and devotion to Allah.
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