The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has commended stakeholders for their contribution to ensuring a successful 2026 hajj operation in Saudi Arabia.

Ismail Yusuf, the chairman of NAHCON, gave the commendation on Monday in Makkah during a post-Arafat review meeting.

The meeting was designed by NAHCON as an evaluation process to gather stakeholder feedback, assess operational performance, and develop strategies to improve future operations.

Mr Yusuf specifically commended the medical team, the Ulamas, NAHCON’s operational staff, the media and all other stakeholders for their support and commitment.

“Everybody has done very well, and we use this opportunity to commend you for all the good work you have done. The staff of NAHCON, the staff of the States Pilgrims Council, the medical team, members of the Ulama who provided spiritual guidance, and our royal fathers who provided royal guidance to our children. We thank you all for your hard work in this very, very modest success,” he said.

Mr Yusuf said that patience played a major role in the success recorded, urging all stakeholders to always exercise patience in their dealings with others.

“It is understandable because with the range of mobilisation of 1.7 million people within a space of just a 7.5 km radius, you are going to have a crisis of space, you are going to have a crisis of security, and you are going to have a crisis of fear.

“The lesson that we must learn as Muslims is that when you leave your home, and you are engaged in a spiritual journey, you have to be patient. It is grossly uncharitable for us as leaders, as people who are charged with the care of pilgrims, to not exhibit this virtue of patience,” he said.

He said the commission would take steps to address the few lapses observed during the 2026 hajj to ensure an improved outing in 2027 and beyond.

“Mistakes will always be corrected. I am sure that Allah has provided us with a window to correct some of the mistakes that we have seen. At the appropriate time, we are going to be advising the stakeholders on areas that we think mistakes were made so that corrections could be made,” he said.

The chairman of the Senate subcommittee on hajj, Ali Ndume, commended NAHCON for the successful conduct of the hajj exercise.

Mr Ndume commended the commission for its commitment, coordination, and dedication in ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims successfully performed the Hajj rites amid complex logistical and operational demands.

He acknowledged the efforts of NAHCON’s management, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, service providers, and other stakeholders, whose contributions contributed to the success of the exercise.

“The achievements recorded during the 2026 Hajj reflect the commitment of NAHCON and its partners to improving service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.

He, however, urged the commission to address identified challenges and further improve future operations.

(NAN)