By Soliu Oyesiji
Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ismail Abba Yusuf, in Abuja, pledging support for the success of the 2026 Hajj operations.
The visit was disclosed in a statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Bologi Ibrahim.
Bago said the visit was to congratulate Yusuf on his appointment by Bola Tinubu and to encourage him as he takes on what he described as a dual national and spiritual responsibility.
“I decided to come here to congratulate you on this very important assignment, which has different faces. One of them is national, and the other one is spiritual, and to wish you all the best,” Bago said.
He acknowledged that the NAHCON chairman assumed office at a critical time when preparations for the 2026 Hajj were already at an advanced stage.
“The task before you is herculean, especially coming in at a time when preparations are far advanced. But with your pedigree and determination, I am confident the operations will be smooth and successful,” he added.
On the reduction of slots for the 2026 Hajj, the governor described the move as strategic.
“The reduction in the slots is strategic. It will help us address some of the challenges encountered in previous operations. Long-term planning, as practised in other countries, is key,” he said.
Bago also pledged institutional support for the commission.
“With my experience as a former chairman of the National Assembly subcommittee on Hajj and now as a serving governor, I will mobilise the necessary support to ensure your tenure succeeds,” he said.
Responding, Yusuf expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as encouraging and memorable.
“This visit is very encouraging and memorable. It shows that we are not alone in this assignment,” he said.
He explained that the reduction in slots was not peculiar to Nigeria but part of a global measure aimed at reducing vulnerability to possible disease outbreaks.
“We have 50,000 slots. We have given 9,750 to tour operators, and the remaining 40,250 to states. There is nothing we can do about this. We will focus on managing the number effectively,” Yusuf stated.
The NAHCON chairman assured that preparations were progressing smoothly.
“Arrangements are going on smoothly, and there will be positive improvement in the 2026 Hajj operations, by the grace of Allah,” he said.
