By Soliu Oyesiji
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured Nigerian pilgrims that they will receive refunds for services paid for but not provided during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Summit on the Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform Agenda in Abuja, NAHCON Chairman, Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the commission had commenced reconciliation of accounts with Saudi service providers and activated accountability clauses in existing contracts.
He warned that service providers who failed to meet contractual obligations would no longer go unpunished.
“Pilgrims must receive relief for every poor service rendered. Performance will henceforth determine patronage,” Yusuf said.
The chairman said the 2026 Hajj recorded successes in airlift operations, visa processing through the Nusuk platform, medical services and coordination with state pilgrims’ boards and licensed tour operators. However, he admitted that 109 pilgrims bypassed mandatory medical screening, while lapses were also recorded in catering services, accommodation, transportation and service-provider compliance.
Yusuf said the commission’s reform agenda would prioritise early planning, the development of a unified digital platform for Hajj and Umrah registration, and stronger financial transparency.
Also speaking, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, urged Hajj officials to uphold integrity, accountability and selflessness, stressing that managing the pilgrimage is both a public duty and a sacred trust.
“Your one leg is in Al-Jannah, the other leg is in the wrong place unless you do the right thing,” he said.
