The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening pilgrims’ education and spiritual preparedness ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.
According to a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara of the Information and Publications Division, NAHCON, the Chairman of the Commission, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, made this known on Wednesday, 22nd April 2026, during a strategic engagement and inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Ulama Team held at the Conference Hall, Hajj House, Abuja.
The meeting brought together about 120 prominent Islamic scholars from across the country, including Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Bala Lau, Sheikh Abdulmuhyi Nasir (representing Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir), Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmed, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe, Sheikh Usman Usman Dahiru Bauchi, and Dr Isa Akindele Solahuddeen, among others.
Speaking at the event, the NAHCON Chairman emphasized that pilgrims’ education and orientation remain central to the Commission’s preparations for a seamless Hajj operation. He charged the Ulama Team to support the Commission in delivering intensive sensitization programmes in multiple languages before and during the pilgrimage.
He stressed the need for the clerics to ensure that pilgrims are adequately equipped with a clear understanding of the rites of Hajj to enable them to correctly perform their religious obligations.
Ambassador Abba also called for continuous spiritual guidance and prompt responses to pilgrims’ concerns, particularly in matters that may affect the validity of their Hajj.
The Ulama Team was further tasked with organizing special prayer sessions at key locations during the pilgrimage, especially at Arafat, for Nigeria’s leaders, national peace, unity, security, and economic prosperity.
In his remarks, Professor Bashir Umar urged the clerics to encourage their followers to pray for peaceful elections in Nigeria, noting that the 2026 Hajj will precede the 2027 general elections.
The scholars collectively emphasized the importance of mental and spiritual readiness of pilgrims, highlighting values such as unity, sincerity, patience, and devotion to Allah as essential components of a fulfilling Hajj experience.
The Ulama Team reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with NAHCON to ensure a spiritually enriching and successful pilgrimage for Nigerian pilgrims.
