Koko Maxwella 
Abuja, Nigeria – The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a committee to screen Hajj Tour Operators for the 2026 pilgrimage, stressing competence and transparency.
The committee, unveiled at Hajj House in Abuja on Monday, comprises NAHCON management staff and secretariat representatives. Its task is to review applications and recommend only qualified operators for licensing.
Director of Administration, Alhaji Alidu Shittu, who represented NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, described the assignment as critical. “This is an important milestone in preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise. We have full confidence in your ability to deliver,” he said.
He directed members to complete the task within one week, in line with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s deadline. “You must ensure thorough scrutiny of all documents and recommend allocations only to competent operators,” Shittu stressed.
NAHCON recently announced a reduction of N200,000 in the final 2025 Hajj fare, raising hopes of affordability for prospective pilgrims. The commission has urged intending pilgrims to complete payments by 31 December 2025.
Shittu expressed optimism that the screening would strengthen Nigeria’s Hajj operations. “Your work is crucial to ensuring smooth, transparent and credible arrangements for our pilgrims,” he added.
NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to international best practices, pledging to safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj.
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Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
