The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, has urged a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s hajj management to improve transparency, efficiency and pilgrim-centred service delivery.

Ms Mahmoud made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the Stakeholders Summit on Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform, attended by key hajj industry stakeholders.

She said every Nigerian pilgrim deserved dignity, safety and comfort throughout the sacred journey, stressing that reforms should prioritise pilgrims’ welfare above every other consideration.

According to her, the summit theme, ‘Repositioning Nigeria’s Hajj Industry as a Model of Service Excellence,’ reflected the urgent need for meaningful reforms across the sector.

“The task before us demands meticulous planning, honest accountability and unwavering commitment from everyone involved,” Ms Mahmoud said.

She commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for convening the summit, describing the gathering as an opportunity to evaluate existing systems critically.

The minister urged participants to provide practical recommendations drawn from their experiences and guided by internationally recognised best practices in pilgrimage administration.

She reaffirmed the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to strengthening public service delivery through collaboration and improved institutional performance.

Ms Mahmoud stressed that stronger partnerships among government agencies, state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards and religious leaders remained essential for sustainable Hajj reforms.

She said collective responsibility and coordinated efforts would help establish a transparent, efficient and globally respected Hajj management system for Nigerian pilgrims.

The NAHCON Chairman Ismail Abba Yusuf supported the reform agenda, saying the summit should deliver lasting improvements rather than merely reviewing the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Mr Yusuf said stakeholders must identify operational shortcomings, consolidate existing successes and develop practical strategies capable of transforming Nigeria’s pilgrimage management system.

He pointed to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 as an example of long-term planning capable of inspiring sustainable reforms within Nigeria’s hajj administration.

“We must move beyond seasonal reviews and build a resilient system that consistently delivers quality service to every pilgrim,” Mr Yusuf said.

He expressed confidence that recommendations from the summit would strengthen Nigeria’s hajj industry and position it as a benchmark for service excellence globally. 

(NAN)