By Olugbenga Salami
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) media monitoring team has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and its appointed air carriers for a well-coordinated offshore airlift, even as it raised concerns over operational shortcomings at several departure centres.
In an interim report released to update stakeholders on observations since the start of this year’s Hajj operations, the committee stated that compliance and coordination among the four carriers had ensured a seamless start to the airlift.
Committee chairman, Nasiru Lawal, disclosed that 17,362 pilgrims had so far been airlifted to Saudi Arabia across 41 flights.
“The IHR Monitoring Committee has been actively observing the ongoing airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under NAHCON’s coordination,” the report read.
“To guarantee objectivity and independence, we adopted a ‘no-see’ monitoring approach – assessing the exercise without direct interference or prior notice to stakeholders.”
While the committee praised the four airlines for largely adhering to approved flight schedules, it noted that some officials at departure centres had been unresponsive to pilgrims’ needs.
“Many pilgrims find it difficult to identify the appropriate personnel to approach for assistance,” the report added.
To remedy this, the IHR recommended that NAHCON make it mandatory for all officials – particularly those from state pilgrims’ boards – to wear clearly identifiable uniforms and tags to improve accessibility and accountability.
The watchdog also expressed concern over how some State Pilgrims Welfare Boards are disbursing the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), describing the process as “rowdy and disorganised” and a risk to pilgrims’ funds. It called for a more structured, secure approach.
Additionally, the IHR urged security agencies to tighten access control at departure points, proposing that only verified pilgrims and authorised personnel be allowed into restricted areas to maintain order and safety.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to providing credible, independent feedback aimed at improving Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims.