By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Hajj Reporters has congratulated the newly appointed Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, urging him to prioritise reforms in the commission.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, the group said the chairman’s diplomatic experience and prior involvement in Hajj operations could help strengthen the commission’s performance.
The organisation observed that NAHCON has recently faced public criticism affecting its credibility and ability to discharge its mandate under the NAHCON Establishment Act 2006.
It called for operational reforms consistent with global standards among Hajj-participating countries and stressed the need for merit-based appointments and policies to ensure efficient service delivery to pilgrims.
The group acknowledged that preparations for the 2026 Hajj were largely completed before Yusuf’s appointment but urged him to focus on long-term institutional reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.
IHR also encouraged the commission to engage stakeholders across the Hajj and Umrah sector in ways that safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.