The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has signed the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement as part of preparations for the forthcoming pilgrimage, with a strong emphasis on compliance, efficiency, and strict adherence to timelines by participating airlines.
In a statement by Shafii Sani Mohammed, for the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations of NAHCON, the Commission said the signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in its readiness for the 2026 Hajj exercise and underscores its commitment to seamless airlift operations.
According to the statement, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba, described the airlift operation as a critical component of Hajj arrangements that must be handled with professionalism, precision, and dedication.
He commended the airlines for their previous performances but maintained that full compliance with the provisions of the agreement remains non-negotiable, noting that Hajj operations are time-bound and require careful coordination to transport pilgrims to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within stipulated schedules.
Ambassador Abba stated that the agreement contains clear compliance measures, including recovery timelines for any airline that falls behind schedule and alternative arrangements to prevent disruptions. He assured stakeholders that NAHCON would effectively discharge its oversight responsibilities to safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
The Commissioner, of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said lessons from the 2025 Hajj airlift would guide improvements for 2026.
While representatives of the participating airlines pledged commitment to safety, punctuality, and strict adherence to agreed schedules, as the ceremony concluded with the formal signing of the agreement.
RN
