2026 Hajj Success Reflects Tinubu’s Leadership

Vice President Kashim Shettima has attributed the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise to the leadership and support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while commending the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for improved operational performance.

Shettima spoke on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving the comprehensive report of the 2026 Hajj operations from the NAHCON leadership led by its Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf.

The Vice President said the outcome of the pilgrimage reflected the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Hajj administration, improve service delivery and prioritise the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

He said the support provided by President Tinubu, alongside inter-agency collaboration and the commitment of relevant stakeholders, contributed significantly to the execution of the exercise.

According to Shettima, the 2026 Hajj demonstrated that public institutions could deliver efficient services when supported by clear leadership, strategic planning and accountability.

He particularly commended NAHCON for sustaining reforms focused on improving coordination, logistics and the overall pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Shettima also noted that positive feedback from pilgrims and stakeholders indicated growing institutional capacity within the commission.

He urged NAHCON to consolidate the gains recorded during the exercise, stressing the importance of continuous improvement, innovation and stakeholder engagement in sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s Hajj management system.

Earlier, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, presented the commission’s comprehensive report on the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The report, according to Yusuf, contained details of the operation’s key achievements, policy interventions, challenges and recommendations for future pilgrimages.

He said the document provided a thorough assessment of the exercise and would serve as a roadmap for strengthening subsequent Hajj operations.

Yusuf reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to deepening ongoing reforms and working with relevant stakeholders to further improve service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.

The presentation formally concluded the 2026 Hajj cycle and provided an opportunity for government and stakeholders to review the exercise, institutionalise lessons learnt and identify areas for further improvement.