The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Monday inaugurated a committee to oversee the screening of Hajj Tour Operators ahead of the 2026 exercise.
In a statement signed by Adeshewa Kako of the Information and Publications Division, the inauguration took place at the Hajj House in Abuja, with the committee comprising management staff of the Commission and other key representatives.
The development comes shortly after NAHCON announced the final Hajj fare for 2026 pilgrims, which it said had dropped by ₦200,000 compared to the 2025 rate. Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, urged intending pilgrims to complete payments before December 31, 2025.
Speaking on behalf of the chairman at the inauguration, Director of Administration, Alhaji Alidu Shittu, described the move as “an important milestone in preparations for the 2026 Hajj.” He expressed confidence in the capacity of the committee members to deliver on the assignment.
Shittu tasked the committee with thoroughly scrutinising all documents submitted by tour operators seeking licences, and ensuring that only qualified and competent operators are recommended for slot allocations.
“You are expected to submit your recommendations to the leadership of the Commission for approval or otherwise and produce a comprehensive report of your findings at the end of the exercise,” he said.
He also reminded the members of the urgency of the assignment, stressing that it must be completed within one week in line with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s deadline for 2026 operations.
Shittu concluded with prayers for the committee’s success, expressing optimism that their work would significantly contribute to the smooth conduct of the upcoming pilgrimage.
