The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has been honoured by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as the Best State in Discipline and Conduct during the 2026 Hajj operation.
The prestigious award was presented on Wednesday at the NAHCON Stakeholders’ Summit on the 2026 Hajj Review and Reform Agenda, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
The recognition acknowledges Niger State’s outstanding adherence to operational guidelines, exemplary conduct of its pilgrims, effective welfare management, and seamless collaboration with NAHCON, Saudi Arabian authorities, and other partner agencies throughout the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Board’s exceptional performance reflected meticulous planning, disciplined execution, efficient coordination, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, comfort, and dignity of pilgrims from the state.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Niger State Government, the Executive Secretary of the Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu, dedicated the honour to the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, in recognition of his consistent support for the Board and his administration’s commitment to the welfare of pilgrims.
According to him, the award is a clear testament to the Governor’s visionary leadership and the collective efforts of the Board, its staff, stakeholders, and pilgrims in promoting discipline, orderliness, and excellence throughout the Hajj operations.
Sheikh Muhammad Awwal Aliyu expressed appreciation to the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for organising the stakeholders’ summit and for finding Niger State worthy of the prestigious recognition.
He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to sustaining the highest standards of discipline, transparency, professionalism, and quality service delivery in future Hajj operations.
He also commended the cooperation and exemplary conduct of Niger State pilgrims, describing them as worthy ambassadors whose discipline greatly contributed to the achievement.
The NAHCON Stakeholders’ Summit provided an avenue for a comprehensive review of the 2026 Hajj operations, assessment of implementation outcomes, and deliberations on the Commission’s reform agenda aimed at strengthening Hajj administration across Nigeria.
The summit brought together State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, relevant federal ministries, health institutions, security agencies, airline operators, licensed tour operators, and other critical stakeholders in the Hajj industry.
The award further reinforces Niger State’s growing reputation as a model in pilgrimage administration and highlights its preparedness to embrace future reforms that will continue to enhance the welfare, safety, and spiritual experience of its pilgrims.
Signed:
Jibrin Usman Kodo
Public Relations Officer
Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board
July 15, 2026
