The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has concluded the inspection of accommodation and catering facilities in Madinah as part of its early preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations.
NAHCON made this known in a statement issued by the Technical Assistant to the NAHCON Chairman on Media, Ahmad Muazu, on Friday.
Muazu said the inspection exercise, conducted from November 3 to November 5, was led by Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS).
He added that the delegation included representatives from the Office of the Vice President, board members, and the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards Forum, alongside senior management officials of the Commission.
The NAHCON media aide said the core mandate of the inspection was to evaluate the state of readiness of all service providers meticulously.
“The team conducted on-the-ground checks of hotel accommodations, verified the authenticity of operational documents, and ensured compliance with both Saudi regulations and NAHCON accommodation and feeding guidelines and standards.
“Over the three days, the team inspected more than 20 hotels within the markaziyya area and seven catering facilities,” he said.
Muazu noted that the inspection revealed strong compliance with accommodation and feeding guidelines, with emphasis on safety and hygiene protocols.
Meanwhile, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, had earlier charged members of the committee to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in carrying out their assignment.
According to Usman, integrity, impartiality, and transparency must guide every aspect of the inspection.
“You are to discharge your responsibilities with diligence and professional discipline.
“The welfare, safety, and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims remain our foremost priority, and every inspection outcome must reflect that commitment,” he said.
The NAHCON boss reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to strengthen its regulatory framework, enhance accountability among service providers, and ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive value for every service paid for.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inspection team is expected to submit its detailed report to the commission’s management for review and further policy action.
NAHCON conducts screening and inspection of accommodation, catering, and other service providers for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The inspections, which take place during the lead‑up to each Hajj season, aim to ensure that service providers meet both Saudi regulations and NAHCON’s accommodation and feeding standards.
In recent years, NAHCON has taken increased oversight measures, including inspections of catering kitchens in Madinah, screening of accommodation providers, and verification of tour‑operator contracts, in response to concerns about service lapses and to safeguard the welfare, safety, and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims during the annual Hajj.
As part of preparations for the 2026 Hajj, NAHCON released key deadlines for states, operators, and service providers. https://punchng.com/nahcon-releases-2026-hajj-schedule-warns-against-deadline-breach/
States and licensed operators are expected to remit funds by October 1, 2025, while the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi authorities will be signed in November 2025 to mark the official start of preparations.
All camp‑booking fees and service contract confirmations must be completed by January 4, 2026, and transport and accommodation contracts are to be uploaded on the Nusuk Masar portal by February 1, 2026.
The commission warned that the final deadline for visa issuance on March 20, 2026, must be strictly observed to ensure Nigeria’s participation in the pilgrimage.