Hajj: NAHCON to refund pilgrims for unrendered services

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured Nigerian pilgrims that they will receive refunds for services paid for but not rendered during the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Summit on the Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform Agenda, the Chairman of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the commission had begun reconciling accounts with Saudi service providers and invoked accountability clauses contained in the agreements signed with them following the conclusion of the pilgrimage.

He warned the service providers engaged by Nigeria that the era of contractual failures without consequences was over.

“Pilgrims must receive relief for every poor service rendered. Performance will henceforth determine patronage,” he said.

Yusuf noted that the 1447AH/2026 Hajj recorded several achievements, including orderly airlifts, improved visa processing through the Nusuk platform, enhanced medical services, and closer coordination between the commission, state pilgrims’ boards and licensed tour operators.

He, however, acknowledged some shortcomings, revealing that 109 pilgrims bypassed mandatory medical screening during the exercise.

“There were lapses in catering services in the Masha’er, gaps in service-provider compliance, avoidable pressure points in accommodation and transportation, and weaknesses in some of our own monitoring and enforcement instruments,” he said.

According to him, the summit was convened not only to review the just-concluded Hajj but also to reposition the country’s pilgrimage administration for improved service delivery.

He said the commission’s reform agenda would focus on early preparation, the development of a single national digital platform for Hajj and Umrah registration, as well as stronger financial transparency and cost governance.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, said Hajj administration requires the highest standards of integrity, accountability and selflessness.

He reminded Hajj officials that facilitating the pilgrimage goes beyond public service and carries a profound spiritual responsibility, noting that Muslims believe the reward for an accepted Hajj is Paradise.

“Both the management, the commissioners and everybody associated with Hajj, remember: your one leg is in Al-Jannah, the other leg is in the wrong place unless you do the right thing,” he said.

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