The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and other stakeholders to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement over concerns regarding accommodation arrangements for Nigerian pilgrims in Mina and Arafat ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
In a press statement issued by its management, the commission said its attention had been drawn to a report attributed to a State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board criticizing the standard of accommodation arrangements in the Mashair area for this year’s Hajj operations.
NAHCON acknowledged that concerns could arise in the course of preparations for an operation as large and complex as Hajj but stressed that consultation and collaboration remained the best approach to resolving such issues.
“The Commission acknowledges that concerns may arise in the course of preparations for an operation as large and complex as Hajj. However, constructive engagement and continuous consultation among stakeholders remain the most effective means of resolving issues in a timely and beneficial manner,” the statement said.
The commission explained that the selection and allocation of Mashair service providers for the 2026 Hajj exercise were largely based on preferences expressed by participating states during consultations with NAHCON.
According to the commission, it respected the collective decisions reached during the consultations in the interest of pilgrims’ welfare and operational harmony.
NAHCON therefore cautioned stakeholders against resorting prematurely to the media over issues that are still being handled through established operational channels.
The commission called on State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and officials to work closely with service providers on ground in Saudi Arabia to identify gaps and improve arrangements where necessary.
It added that ensuring the comfort, safety, and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remained a top priority for the commission and all stakeholders involved in the Hajj operation.
NAHCON also reassured intending pilgrims that it would continue monitoring service delivery in the Mashair and engage relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and hitch-free Hajj exercise.
The Mashair refers to the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah where pilgrims perform key rites of the Hajj pilgrimage. Accommodation and logistics in these areas are among the most critical aspects of Hajj planning due to the massive number of pilgrims gathered within a limited period.
