The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing the 2026 Hajj operations to a close as the final batch of pilgrims from Zamfara State is expected to arrive in the country on Monday.
In a statement issued by its management, the commission said the completion of the return flights marked the successful conclusion of a major national exercise that saw thousands of Nigerian pilgrims transported to and from the Holy Land for the annual pilgrimage.
Despite the successful completion of the airlift, NAHCON disclosed that 12 Nigerian pilgrims remain hospitalized in Saudi Arabia for various health conditions.
The commission said it is closely monitoring their treatment and has put arrangements in place to facilitate their return to Nigeria immediately after they are discharged by medical authorities.
NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the overall success of the 2026 Hajj exercise and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for what he described as their unwavering support toward the successful conduct of the pilgrimage.
He also appreciated the contributions of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, licensed tour operators, service providers, aviation partners, medical teams, security personnel, the media, and the pilgrims themselves for their cooperation throughout the exercise.
The commission acknowledged that, like previous Hajj operations, the 2026 exercise encountered some challenges but said valuable lessons had been learnt to improve future pilgrimages.
Meanwhile, NAHCON announced that preparations for the 1448 AH/2027 Hajj have already commenced.
According to the commission, a circular dated June 15, 2026, and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali, on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has been issued to all Hajj managers across the country, formally notifying them of the commencement of preparations for next year’s pilgrimage.
NAHCON directed all State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators, to begin preparatory activities immediately in line with the official guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The commission said the early commencement of preparations underscores its commitment to continuous improvement and better planning to ensure an even more successful Hajj operation in 2027.
