Abdullahi Usman, the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, has concluded his second pre-hajj visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement by Ahmad Muazu, technical assistant (media) at the office of the NAHCON chairman, this marks a major step in preparations for the 2026 hajj.

Mr Muazu said that the visit, which took place from January 4 to 19, focused on consolidating operational arrangements.

He said that it also focused on strengthening coordination with Saudi authorities, and aligning Nigerian service providers and stakeholders with the timelines and standards of the Saudi authorities ahead of the 2026 Hajj.

“During the visit, the NAHCON delegation held high-level engagements with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation GACA. The delegation also met with the Saudi Ministry of Health, Masha’ir, feeding and accommodation service providers, airlines, and Nigerian stakeholders in the Kingdom.

“These engagements resulted in progress on airlift coordination, accommodation and feeding arrangements, Mashāʾir services, medical preparedness, and media coordination frameworks,” Mr Muazu said.

He listed key achievements of the visit as including the signing and initiation of service agreements, and the uploading of contracts and flight schedules on the Nusuk Masar platform.

He said that there were also inspections and identification of clinics and medical facilities in Mecca and Madinah, confirmation of unified medical screening requirements, alignment on digital health and operational platforms, and diplomatic engagement.

“The commission also concluded coordination meetings with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed tour operators to reinforce compliance with agreed timelines, guidelines, service standards, and regulatory requirements ahead of the 2026 Hajj.

“With the conclusion of the visit, NAHCON will transition to the next phase of preparations. This includes finalisation of contracts, pilgrims’ data uploads, medical screening, and continued engagement with relevant authorities to ensure smooth and well-coordinated Hajj exercise,” he said.

(NAN)