The 2026 Hajj Media Monitoring Team of the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for completing the outbound airlift of Nigerian intending pilgrims within the scheduled timeline.
In its second assessment report released on Sunday in Makkah, the team described the achievement as an operational milestone that largely aligned with projections.
The report, signed by the committee chairman, Malam Nasiru Lawal, noted that despite a few logistical challenges, the exercise was broadly successful.
IHR welcomed the creation of additional embarkation points in Zamfara and Ogun States, describing it as a positive development that has spared pilgrims from stressful interstate journeys before departure to Saudi Arabia.
However, the report cautioned that the new centres have placed additional burdens on Hajj air carriers and overstretched NAHCON’s human resources. It noted that more zonal officials and airline ground staff are now required, warning that operational costs may rise in future exercises if the situation is not properly managed.
In its offshore assessment, IHR gave a relatively positive review of pilgrim welfare in Madinah, particularly praising accommodation standards and the proximity of hotels to Masjid Al-Nabawi.
“We commend NAHCON for retaining the Markaziya locations for Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah, which continues to enhance comfort and ease of access to the Prophet’s Mosque,” the report stated.
The team advised NAHCON and state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards to improve turnaround times for allocating accommodation in Madinah, thereby reducing waiting periods upon arrival.
On catering, IHR observed that arrangements have improved considerably compared with previous years, but called for greater variety and better menu selection.
The committee also described the launch of NAHCON’s interactive Hajj Companion App as a major step towards digitising Hajj operations, noting its potential to improve movement coordination and orientation services. It said the app could evolve into Nigeria’s version of the Nusuk platform, covering all aspects of Hajj administration.
To achieve this, IHR recommended that NAHCON partner with state boards and private tour operators in developing and integrating the app, making the platform more comprehensive and inclusive.
As the Masha’ir rites commence, IHR urged all operational stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure Nigerian pilgrims perform Hajj under comfortable and conducive conditions. The committee also cautioned against politicising Hajj services, calling instead for a sustained focus on efficient service delivery to the guests of Allah.