Concerns have been raised over aspects of preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise, with a call on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to clarify issues relating to airline allocations, administrative procedures and operational stability.
In a letter dated January 12, 2026, addressed to the executive chairman and commissioner of operations of the commission, Hon. Aminu Sulaiman Khalid Maidoki expressed apprehension that some recent administrative and operational developments could negatively affect the smooth conduct of the 2026 Hajj.
The correspondence raised issues bordering on internal administration, citing allegations of senior officers in procurement, ICT and media departments being sidelined in favour of junior staff and aides. It questioned how the commission was responding to reported objections by the Bureau of Public Procurement over the assignment of statutory senior responsibilities to junior officers.
The letter sought clarification on reports of possible non-compliance with bilateral air service agreements, particularly the requirement for a 50 per cent pilgrim allocation to Saudi carriers. It queried what steps were being taken to address concerns with the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation and to secure landing slots while safeguarding the participation of Nigerian airlines.
According to the letter, the reported changes, if left unaddressed, could undermine institutional expertise, weaken staff morale and disrupt critical systems such as the E-Track platform that supports pilgrims’ data and transactions.
Maidoki urged the commission to uphold civil service rules, merit and due process to ensure operational stability and maintain public confidence in the management of the 2026 Hajj. He called for an official response to the issues raised in the interest of transparency and effective service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.
