Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj operations got underway on Sunday, with Vice President Kashim Shettima flagging off the inaugural flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
He called on intending pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the country throughout the pilgrimage.
The first batch, comprising about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State, departed for Saudi Arabia, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a 50,000-strong Nigerian contingent for this year’s Hajj.
Addressing the pilgrims, Shettima described the Hajj as more than a spiritual obligation, portraying it as a shared commitment between the government and its citizens.
He stressed that while pilgrims pursue spiritual fulfilment, the government remains responsible for ensuring their safety, comfort and dignity.
📢 Stay Updated — Join Our WhatsApp Channel
💬 Be Part of Our WhatsApp Community
Join our WhatsApp Channel for curated updates, breaking stories, and exclusive insights from our newsroom.
📲 Join 👉 NRTC WhatsApp Channel
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu, to protect the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
He noted that every effort would be made to eliminate avoidable stress and disruptions during the process.
He reminded the pilgrims that their actions would reflect directly on Nigeria’s global image.
He urged them to respect the laws and guidelines of their host country and to embody values such as discipline, humility and patience.
READ ALSO
According to him, the conduct of each pilgrim contributes to how Nigeria is perceived on the international stage.
Shettima also issued a clear directive to officials overseeing the operation, warning against negligence or poor coordination.
He tasked the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, aviation authorities and medical teams to prioritise the overall well-being of pilgrims, rather than focusing solely on logistics.
He noted that the success of the operation would not be judged merely by the number of flights completed, but by how effectively unnecessary hardship is avoided.
Stakeholders
Key stakeholders present at the flag-off expressed confidence in the preparations for the Hajj.
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo encouraged pilgrims to make the most of the opportunity by praying for national peace and the success of ongoing reforms.
Also, Ismail Abba Yusuf assured that reforms within the commission are aimed at improving transparency and enhancing pilgrim welfare.
Furthermore, the Aviation Ministry represented by Captain Mamud Abdullahi confirmed strong inter-agency coordination to ensure smooth flight operations nationwide.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
Mariya Mahmoud also credited improved collaboration among agencies to the active oversight of the Presidency.
As the 2026 Hajj begins, authorities have emphasised that safeguarding the welfare and dignity of Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy Land remains a top priority.
