Vice President Kashim Shettima has attributed the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention and the improved coordination of agencies responsible for the pilgrimage.
Shettima spoke in Abuja while receiving a comprehensive report on the 2026 Hajj from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Vice President commended the leadership of NAHCON and other stakeholders involved in the exercise, saying their coordination contributed to the effective management of Nigerian pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
According to him, the President’s intervention helped address key challenges associated with the organisation of the annual religious exercise and contributed to the smooth completion of the 2026 Hajj.
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Shettima said the Federal Government remained committed to improving the experience of Nigerian pilgrims and ensuring that the country’s participation in the Hajj continued to meet expected standards.
He also praised NAHCON officials for their work in coordinating the movement, accommodation and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
The Vice President’s remarks came as the commission formally presented its comprehensive report on the 2026 Hajj operations to the Presidency.
The report is expected to provide an assessment of the pilgrimage, including the management of pilgrims and the coordination of activities before, during and after the Hajj.
The Federal Government has in recent years placed emphasis on improving the administration of Hajj operations and strengthening coordination between Nigerian authorities and their Saudi Arabian counterparts.
NAHCON is responsible for regulating, supervising and coordinating Hajj operations involving Nigerian pilgrims.
The commission also works with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, private tour operators and relevant Saudi authorities to facilitate the pilgrimage.
Receiving the report, Shettima urged the commission to sustain the improvements recorded during the 2026 exercise and build on them in preparation for subsequent pilgrimages.
He said the government would continue to support measures aimed at improving pilgrims’ welfare and strengthening the country’s Hajj administration.
The Vice President also acknowledged the role of the various stakeholders whose activities contributed to the management of Nigerian pilgrims.
The presentation of the report provides an opportunity for the Federal Government and NAHCON to review the 2026 operation, identify areas requiring further improvement and consolidate measures that worked during the exercise.
The 2026 Hajj exercise involved thousands of Nigerian pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
The government’s review is expected to guide preparations for future Hajj operations and further improve the coordination and welfare services available to Nigerian pilgrims.

