The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has expressed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian pilgrim performs the 2026 Hajj both in comfort and safety.
Usman said this on Monday while inaugurating the Aviation Monitoring Committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise at the Commission’s Hajj House headquarters in Abuja, adding that facilitating the spiritual journey for Nigerians is not only a statutory duty but also a sacred trust.
He charged members of the newly inaugurated committee to function as diligent gatekeepers, entrusted with the critical mandate of undertaking transparent and impartial monitoring of all aviation matters.
The NAHCON boss, according to a release signed by his Technical Assistant (Media), Ahmad Muazu, made it clear that the committee is a functional, non-decorative body, reflecting the Commission’s zero-tolerance for failure and its core commitment to pilgrims’ welfare.
‘For the Nigerian Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, facilitating this spiritual journey for its citizens is not just a statutory duty; it is a sacred trust.
‘We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian pilgrim performs their Ibadah in comfort and safety,’ Usman said.
While emphasising that NAHCON has recorded steady improvements in airlift logistics, the Chairman said aviation remained the most sensitive and visible component of Hajj operations.
He, therefore, informed the committee members that they had the responsibility of monitoring aviation matters related to Nigerian pilgrims.
Usman said, ‘This committee is not a decorative body; it is our commitment to pilgrim welfare.
‘You are the gatekeepers, entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the aviation matters of our pilgrims.’
Usman then urged members to carry out their duties with the highest levels of integrity, patriotism, and professionalism, reminding them that the eyes of millions of Nigerian Muslims are upon them.
He expressed full confidence in the collective expertise of the committee members and tasked them to see their assignment as a sacred duty.
Responding on behalf of the members of the 10-man committee, NAHCON Commissioner of Operations and Licensing, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, who doubles as the chairman of the committee, thanked Usman for the confidence reposed in the committee members and pledged the team’s total commitment to its mandate.
He assured that members would live up to expectations, adding that they would not compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims.
‘Our mission is straightforward and solemn to guarantee safe, secure, and dignified air transport for pilgrims. We will not compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims,’ Elegushi assured.
The Aviation Monitoring Committee’s Terms of Reference (ToR) include: Reviewing, participating and evaluating all documents submitted by applicant airlines and cargo carriers for the 2026 Hajj; Inspecting and assessing the readiness of designated airports for Hajj operations; Making observations and recommendations on airport preparedness.
The ToR also include, Monitoring inbound and outbound flights at all departure centres to ensure compliance with airlift agreements and industry standards; Monitoring the quality of in-flight services in line with industry standards; Ensuring compliance with the Commission’s luggage policy by carriers and pilgrims; Recommending appropriate actions or penalties against defaulting carriers or State Pilgrims Welfare Boards; Liaising with the Central Security Committee and Task Force on abscondment of pilgrims to provide support when required and Undertaking any other action necessary for the success of Hajj airlift operations and making related recommendations.