The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has completed a strategic inspection of accommodation and catering facilities in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as part of its preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations. The three‑day inspection, conducted from 3 to 5 November, was led by Professor Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services. The delegation included representatives from the Office of the Vice President, board members of the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards Forum, and senior NAHCON officials.
The team’s primary objective was to assess the readiness of service providers—specifically hotel accommodations and catering facilities—to ensure compliance with Saudi regulations as well as NAHCON’s own guidelines and standards. During the visit, the inspectors examined more than 20 hotels in the Markaziyya area and seven catering facilities, verifying operational documents and evaluating each provider’s state of readiness. The inspection revealed strong compliance with accommodation and feeding guidelines, with particular attention to safety and hygiene protocols.
Before the inspection, NAHCON’s Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Usman, emphasized the importance of upholding the highest ethical and professional standards. He stressed that integrity, impartiality, and transparency must guide every aspect of the exercise, with the welfare, safety, and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims as the top priority. The inspection forms part of NAHCON’s broader effort to strengthen its regulatory framework, enhance accountability among service providers, and ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive value for every service paid for.
The inspection team will submit a detailed report to NAHCON’s management for review and further policy action. The findings will inform the commission’s decisions on service providers for the 2026 Hajj operations, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims enjoy a safe and comfortable pilgrimage. Through this inspection, NAHCON demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability, ultimately benefiting the thousands of Nigerian pilgrims who embark on the Hajj each year.
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