By Adamu Yusuf
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed Hajj tour operators to review and strengthen pilgrims’ enlightenment programmes ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
IHR said the enlightenment programmes should go beyond conventional teachings on Hajj rites and religious rituals to include practical information that would enable Nigerian pilgrims to undertake the pilgrimage safely, orderly and successfully.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the organisation urged NAHCON to develop and introduce a mandatory and standardised pilgrims’ enlightenment curriculum for states and tour operators ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
It said the proposed curriculum should cover pilgrims’ registration procedures, updated Hajj timelines, travel and security guidelines, prohibited activities in Saudi Arabia, regulations governing the transportation of prescription and controlled medications, as well as appropriate conduct during the pilgrimage.
According to IHR, pilgrims should also be adequately educated on their rights, privileges and responsibilities to enable them distinguish between what constitutes an enforceable right and what may simply be a privilege.
The organisation specifically called for greater attention to Saudi Arabia’s regulations on the transportation of prescription and controlled medications.
It said intending pilgrims travelling with such medications should be properly informed about applicable requirements, including obtaining electronic clearance and prior approval from the relevant Saudi authorities where necessary.
Restrictions on Political Activities
IHR also urged NAHCON, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and tour operators to include clear lessons on Saudi Arabia’s restrictions on political and sectarian activities during Hajj.
It advised that intending pilgrims should be adequately sensitised to avoid actions capable of violating Saudi laws and regulations.
The organisation said Saudi Arabia maintains strict restrictions on political and sectarian activities at the holy sites, adding that pilgrims should be made to understand that the display of political flags, sectarian banners, slogans, chants and other forms of political expression is prohibited.
IHR warned that participation in or display of such materials could attract serious consequences under Saudi regulations.
The organisation stressed that pilgrims’ enlightenment should be treated as a core component of Hajj preparation rather than a routine religious lecture programme.
It urged NAHCON to collaborate with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, religious scholars, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and standardised enlightenment framework ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
IHR said the framework would ensure that Nigerian pilgrims are not only spiritually prepared for the pilgrimage but are also adequately informed about the legal, security, health, administrative and behavioural requirements governing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
