The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has renewed contracts with two Saudi corporations to offer key providers for Nigerian pilgrims throughout the 2026 Hajj.
At a signing ceremony in Jeddah on Thursday, NAHCON Chairperson Abdullahi Usman entered into agreements with Mashariq Dhahabiyya, which can handle providers on the Masha’ir (Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah), and Daleel Al Muaalem, which can present transportation all through the pilgrimage.
In keeping with NAHCON’s Principal Data Officer, Sani Shafii, the chairman stated each corporations had been retained following their robust efficiency in 2025, although he urged them to surpass final yr’s achievements.
“We had been happy with the providers rendered final yr, however we would like much more this time,” Mr Usman stated. “Our pilgrims are friends of Ar-Rahman, they usually deserve the most effective care.”
Early Preparations
Signing the contracts is a part of NAHCON’s early preparations for subsequent yr’s Hajj.
Earlier this month, a high-level delegation from the fee travelled to Saudi Arabia to safe contracts for lodging, catering, transport, and medical providers forward of regulatory deadlines.
Officers say the early negotiations will permit NAHCON to watch service suppliers extra carefully and resolve potential challenges earlier than pilgrims arrive.
The fee has additionally expanded its digital registration system to allow pilgrims to pay and observe their packages on-line, curbing fraud and strengthening coordination with state welfare boards.
Constructing on the 2025 expertise
In 2025, about 55,000 Nigerian’s participated within the annual non secular ritual.
In 2026, about 95,000 Nigerians are anticipated to carry out the Hajj, making the nation one of many largest contingents exterior the Arab world.
The 2025 train, extensively described as one of many smoothest in recent times, recorded enhancements in airlift schedules and transport logistics.
READ ALSO: Hajj 2026: NAHCON management departs for Saudi Arabia to finalise offers with service suppliers
Nonetheless, complaints endured about feeding preparations in some camps and tent allocations at Mina.
Mr Usman stated the fee is set to construct on final yr’s successes whereas addressing shortcomings.
“Our aim is to make sure security, welfare, and luxury for each pilgrim, and to ensure Nigerians really feel the worth of each naira they decide to this religious journey,” he stated.
