By Salisu Ibrahim
The 2026 Independent Hajji Reporters, a Media Monitoring Team has presented an interim report to keep stakeholders in the industry abreast of the team’s observations since the commencement of this year’s Hajj operation.
Chairman of the team, Nasiru Lawal, in a statement signed he signed said, IHR wishes to commend the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and air carriers for a seamless and well-coordinated off shore airlift but expressed concerns over operational gaps in some embarkation points.
The IHR Monitoring Committee informed the public that the team has been actively monitoring the ongoing airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the coordination of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
However, to ensure objectivity and independence, we adopted a “no-see” monitoring approach, assessing the exercise without direct interference or prior notice to stakeholders.
“We therefore commend the four appointed Hajj carriers for largely adhering to the approved flight schedules. Their compliance and coordination have contributed to the smooth commencement of airlift operations. As of this report, 17,362 pilgrims have been successfully airlifted to Saudi Arabia on 41 flights operations so far”, the Committee said.
However, we observed noticeable lapses in the responsiveness of some officials to pilgrims’ needs at departure centres.
It said “Many pilgrims find it difficult to identify the appropriate personnel to approach whenever in difficulty.
The team therefore recommends that NAHCON should make it mandatory for all officials especially States involved in the Hajj operation to wear clearly identifiable uniforms with tags to enhance accessibility and accountability.
We are also concerned about the current method adopted by some State Pilgrims Welfare Boards in disbursing the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to pilgrims. The process appears rowdy and disorganised, exposing pilgrims to the risk of losing their funds, as occurred during the previous Hajj, adding that a more structured and secured approach is needed.
“We are calling on security agencies to intensify efforts at departure points by strictly enforcing access control measures. Only verified pilgrims and authorised personnel should be allowed into restricted areas to ensure orderliness and safety.
IHR remains committed to providing credible and independent feedback aimed at improving Hajj operations for the benefit of all Nigerian pilgrims, the statement added.