To mark the official commencement of this year’s pilgrimage, 474 pilgrims from Kogi state on Sunday departed Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.
The pilgrims from Kogi state were the first batch to depart from Nigeria in an inaugural airlift by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The ceremony, which took place in Abuja after being moved from Ogun State, drew top government officials, traditional rulers and key stakeholders in the Hajj operation.
Speaking at the event, the NAHCON Chairman, Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their steadfast support towards ensuring a smooth 2026 Hajj exercise.
He urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to guidelines set by NAHCON and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, placing strong emphasis on the use of the Nusuk Card, which he described as critical to movement and access during the pilgrimage.
“All movements should be collective and properly coordinated. NAHCON has made adequate arrangements in Mina and other locations to ensure that accommodation and logistics are intact. Our advance team is already on ground to guarantee seamless operations,” he said.
The chairman warned against violations of Hajj regulations, noting that sanctions in Saudi Arabia are strict.
He added that the Federal Government had ensured that all necessary medical screenings for pilgrims were completed before departure.
“We have prioritised reforms that focus on the comfort, safety and value for money for all Nigerian pilgrims,” he added.
Also speaking, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged the pilgrims to serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria while in Saudi Arabia.
He stressed the need for discipline, patience and integrity, noting that there would be no room for negligence throughout the exercise.
“This is a sacred assignment. You are ambassadors of our nation under the banner of unity. Conduct yourselves with honour, compassion and responsibility. Let us work together with vigilance to ensure a successful Hajj,” he said.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Maryam Mahmoud, commended NAHCON for its preparedness and called for continued cooperation among stakeholders to sustain a hitch-free exercise.
She urged the intending pilgrims to pray for Nigeria, stressing the need for unity, peace and national progress.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, described the pilgrimage as a rare spiritual privilege and called on the intending pilgrims to approach it with sincerity, humility and discipline.
“We carry with you our prayers. Use this opportunity for reflection, repentance and national intercession. Conduct yourselves with dignity, peace and tolerance, and remain focused on your spiritual obligations,” he said.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Ohinoyi of Egbiraland, Ahmed Tijani Anaje; the Sarkin Jiwa, Idris Musa, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto; as well as government officials and Hajj administrators.
