The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ismail Abba Yusuf, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening pilgrims’ education and spiritual preparedness ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
Yusuf made this known during the inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Ulama Team at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where he urged Islamic clerics to intensify sensitisation efforts before and during the pilgrimage.
According to NAHCON, the engagement brought together about 120 clerics from across the country, including prominent scholars such as Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Bala Lau, Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmad, and Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe, among others.
The NAHCON chairman stressed that the clerics’ role is critical in guiding pilgrims on the proper observance of Hajj rites, ensuring they understand the essential requirements needed to perform the religious obligations correctly.
He also highlighted the need for continuous guidance and timely responses to pilgrims’ concerns, particularly on issues that could affect the validity of their Hajj.
Yusuf added that the Ulama Team would organise special prayer sessions at key locations such as Arafat, focusing on Nigeria’s unity, peace, security, and economic prosperity.
Speaking on behalf of the clerics, Bashir Umar urged members to encourage prayers for peaceful elections, noting that the 2026 Hajj coincides with Nigeria’s 2027 general election cycle.
The clerics collectively emphasised the importance of mental readiness, unity, patience, and devotion, describing Hajj as a transformative spiritual exercise.
In a related development, the Kogi State Council of Ulama pledged support for Yusuf’s leadership, describing his appointment as merit-based and rooted in strong administrative experience.
The council, led by Salman Adam Imam, noted that Yusuf’s emergence as NAHCON chairman marks the first time an indigene of Kogi State and the North Central region has headed the commission.
They commended Bola Tinubu for what they described as a well-considered appointment, expressing confidence that Yusuf’s leadership would enhance the commission’s performance and restore institutional trust.
Responding, Yusuf thanked the council for its support and assured stakeholders of his commitment to improving operational efficiency and delivering a successful Hajj exercise for Nigerian pilgrims.
