The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is considering retaining the four airlines used for the 2025 Hajj operations for the 2026 pilgrimage. This proposal was tabled during a strategic post-Hajj meeting held on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at the Hajj House headquarters in Abuja.
Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who led deliberations on operational matters, said the rollover of airline contracts would help Nigeria secure airlift slots early from Saudi authorities. He explained that this is necessary given the tight timelines imposed by the Saudi Hajj calendar and Nigeria’s internal procurement processes.
“Given the time constraints and bureaucratic hurdles involved, rolling over the contracts will allow us to meet Saudi expectations early and avoid last-minute rush,” Elegushi told stakeholders, including Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
The meeting, chaired by NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, reviewed the 2025 Hajj exercise and commenced early planning for 2026. Usman announced a tentative Hajj fare deposit of ₦8.5 million per intending pilgrim, pending final service negotiations. He also confirmed that Nigeria retains its 95,000-slot quota from Saudi Arabia.
Participants were urged to submit feedback after consulting with their respective state boards, as preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage gather momentum.
