By Rasheed Abubakar
Senior officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have expressed satisfaction with the ongoing 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the smooth airlifting of pilgrims from Lagos and other Southwest states, while also urging pilgrims to avoid spreading unverified information on social media.
The officials spoke exclusively with Muslim News on Wednesday during the airlift exercise at the Lagos Hajj camp, where they assessed the progress of the operation and addressed issues relating to pilgrims’ welfare, transportation, accommodation, and the use of Nusuk cards.
Our correspondent gathered that the exercise featured the departure of Flynas Flight XY8514, which departed Abuja through Lagos to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, at about 5:45 p.m. with 146 pilgrims and 175 officials onboard.
Breakdown of the passengers showed that Lagos State, which airlifted its final batch of pilgrims, accounted for 145 pilgrims comprising 72 males and 73 females, while Nasarawa State had one male pilgrim on the flight, marking the end of airlifting operations in the Southwest zone.
With the latest movement, the total number of Nigerian pilgrims airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise rose to 24,420, while the total number of flights operated so far increased to 60.
Apart from the two senior NAHCON officials, the flight also had on board national and Lagos State Ulamah, including the National Missioner of Ansar Ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Ahmad Ahmad; Professor of Shariah at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulrazaq Abdulmajeed Alaro; and the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode.
Southwest airlift smooth since May 3, says NAHCON official
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner representing the Southwest at NAHCON, Dr. Tajudeen Abefe Oladejo, described the operation so far as impressive and largely hitch free since the commencement of the airlift on May 3, 2026.
According to him, pilgrims airlifted from Lagos and other Southwest states had safely arrived in Madinah and were already settling down for pilgrimage activities.
“Alhamdulillah, the assessment of the Hajj operation in the Southwest has been very impressive because since we started the airlift on May 3, there has not been any serious challenge concerning the movement of pilgrims,” he said.
“Our pilgrims airlifted from Lagos have landed safely in Madinah and they are doing well and preparing for their Hajj rites accordingly.”
Nusuk card essential for Arafah, Hajj rites
Dr. Oladejo identified the issue of Nusuk cards as one of the few challenges encountered during the operation.
He explained that the Nusuk card, which is mandated by Saudi Arabian authorities for all pilgrims, serves as an important means of identification and access to Hajj rites, especially participation in Arafah.
According to him, some pilgrims became anxious after not receiving the cards before departure from Nigeria despite assurances that the cards would be distributed upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.
“The Saudi Ministry of Hajj made it mandatory for every pilgrim to wear the Nusuk card. Initially, it was expected that all Nigerian pilgrims would receive the cards before departure from Nigeria, but not all of them arrived on time,” he explained.
“Some pilgrims became worried, but we have now addressed the issue. Our pilgrims being airlifted today will receive their Nusuk card because we have Saudi officials on ground to issue them,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of the card, describing it as essential for the pilgrimage. “Without Nusuk card, there is no Arafah, and without Arafah there is no Hajj. That is why pilgrims must protect the card and wear it properly wherever they go because it contains all their data,” he added.
NAHCON promises adequate welfare arrangements
Speaking on welfare arrangements, the NAHCON Southwest commissioner said the commission and state pilgrims boards had made adequate provisions to ensure the comfort of pilgrims throughout the exercise.
He noted that pilgrims were being transported in a coordinated manner from their various states to the airports before departure to Saudi Arabia, adding that facilities at the Lagos Hajj camp were conducive and properly equipped to support intending pilgrims before their flights.
“At the Lagos zone, the Hajj camp is well ventilated and properly furnished. There is no rancour or disturbance before pilgrims are airlifted,” he said.
“Each state is taking care of its pilgrims, while NAHCON is responsible for accommodation and feeding in Madinah. So far, we have not received any negative reports concerning feeding or welfare from pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia.”
NAHCON assures swift response to pilgrims’ complaints
Dr. Oladejo acknowledged that no system could be completely perfect but insisted that the commission was committed to achieving high operational standards.
“No system can be one hundred percent perfect, but our target is to score nothing less than ninety five percent. Whenever there is any issue, pilgrims should report directly to NAHCON officials so it can be addressed immediately,” he said.
He cited a recent incident involving two pilgrims who travelled without receiving their Nusuk cards in Nigeria but later received them in Saudi Arabia after the matter was quickly resolved by the commission.
“We need feedback from pilgrims. Once they notify us of any discomfort or challenge, we will move swiftly to resolve it and make everybody comfortable,” he added.
Prof. Adedimeji lauds smooth start of operations
Also speaking during the exercise, renowned scholar and NAHCON board member representing the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, expressed gratitude to Allah for the smooth takeoff of the 2026 Hajj operations.
He said reports received from Saudi Arabia concerning Nigerian pilgrims had so far been positive, adding that efforts were ongoing to further improve welfare services.
“A lot of effort has been made regarding accommodation, feeding, and other logistics to ensure that this year’s Hajj operation becomes one of the best we have experienced,” he said.
Cautions pilgrims on responsible social media use
Prof. Adedimeji, however, expressed concern over the misuse of social media by some pilgrims, warning against spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic or damaging the image of the country and Islam.
According to him, many social media users lacked digital literacy and often shared information without verification.
“One of the negative dimensions of social media is that people sensationalise issues without proper verification,” he said.
“If pilgrims encounter any challenge, they should approach NAHCON officials or officials of the pilgrims welfare boards for clarification instead of rushing to social media.”
He reminded pilgrims that Hajj remained a sacred act of worship and urged them to avoid actions capable of reducing their spiritual rewards.
“We are going for one of the pillars of Islam, and it is important that we do not undermine our reward through irresponsible use of social media,” he stated.
“I want pilgrims to be sensitive, responsible, and careful in their use of social media so that we do not portray our country, Islam, or Muslims negatively.”
Prof. Adedimeji, who is also the Vice Chancellor of the African School of Economics (ASE) emphasised the importance of digital literacy and responsible communication, urging pilgrims to verify information before sharing it publicly.
“Digital literacy and social media literacy are very important. It is not everything one hears or sees that should be shared immediately,” he added.
He prayed for a successful Hajj exercise and for Allah’s continued guidance for pilgrims and officials involved in the operation.
NAHCON officials laud chairman Yusuf Ismail for reforms
The two senior officers therefore commended the leadership of the NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Yusuf Ismail, for introducing reforms that have improved the ongoing Hajj operations.
According to them, the chairman has addressed several critical issues relating to transportation, feeding, and accommodation since assuming office.
“The leadership of Ambassador Yusuf Ismail must be commended because he has addressed many critical issues that could have created challenges during the Hajj operation,” they said.
“He has reshaped the system positively, and the board members are also working collectively with him to ensure a successful Hajj exercise.”
Sponsored Event
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
