By Soliu Oyesiji
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has unveiled comprehensive Tradudiyya transport and Jamaraat movement arrangements aimed at ensuring the safety of over 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia.
The guidelines were presented during the 2026 Pre-Arafat Meeting on Friday, where officials stressed the need for strict compliance with Saudi authorities’ crowd control and movement regulations in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
According to the presentation, 40,939 Nigerian pilgrims will use the Saudi-operated Tradudiyya shuttle system, while 9,910 pilgrims will utilise the traditional bus arrangement.
NAHCON disclosed that Nigeria has been assigned 359 buses under the shuttle system, with operations coordinated across designated routes and departure schedules.
The commission warned pilgrims against unauthorised movement, especially during prohibited periods at the Jamaraat between 10am and 2pm daily.
It stated that pilgrims would be moved in batches of 180 persons under supervised field office guides to prevent overcrowding and stampedes.
NAHCON also directed state pilgrims welfare boards and tour operators to conduct mandatory sensitisation for group leaders before the peak Hajj rites.
The commission noted that the measures became necessary following past tragic incidents at the Jamaraat, including the 2015 Mina crush which claimed over 2,400 lives.
Officials further urged pilgrims to adhere strictly to approved routes, schedules and safety instructions throughout the Hajj operations.
