NAHCON Chairman Inaugurates Aviation Monitoring Committee for 2026 Hajj Operations
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The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has inaugurated the Aviation Monitoring Committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise, charging members to ensure transparent and efficient oversight of all aviation-related activities.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Commission’s Board Room, Hajj House, Abuja, where Professor Usman described the committee as a functional and performance-driven body rather than a ceremonial one. He said its creation underscores the Commission’s zero tolerance for failure and firm commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
“For the Nigerian Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, facilitating this spiritual journey for its citizens is not just a statutory duty; it is a sacred trust. We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian pilgrim performs their Ibadah in comfort and safety,” the NAHCON boss stated.
While acknowledging the progress recorded in airlift logistics over the years, Professor Usman noted that aviation remains the most sensitive and visible component of Hajj operations. He told the members that they are to function as gatekeepers, ensuring that all aviation matters affecting pilgrims are handled with utmost diligence and professionalism.
The Commissioner of Operations and Licensing, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, who delivered the welcome address, thanked the Chairman for the confidence reposed in the committee and assured of the team’s dedication to its mandate. He said the committee’s mission is to guarantee safe, secure, and dignified air transport for all Nigerian pilgrims, stressing that their safety would not be compromised under any circumstance.
The committee has been tasked with the responsibility of reviewing and evaluating all documents submitted by applicant airlines and cargo carriers, inspecting the readiness of airports designated for Hajj operations, and monitoring both inbound and outbound flights at all departure centers to ensure compliance with approved airlift agreements and aviation standards. It will also assess the quality of in-flight services, enforce the Commission’s luggage policy, and recommend appropriate sanctions for any defaulting carrier or State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Professor Usman urged the committee members to approach their assignment with integrity, patriotism, and professionalism, reminding them that millions of Nigerian Muslims depend on their performance for a successful Hajj experience. He expressed confidence in their expertise and commitment, describing their task as a sacred duty in service to Allah and the nation.
The inauguration marks another strategic step by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria toward improving the management of airlift operations ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
