Shettima Lauds NAHCON Over Renewed Vigour, Seamless Operations

Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its renewed vigor and seamless operations during the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Shettima, speaking in Abuja after receiving the comprehensive 2026 Hajj operations report from NAHCON, credited President Bola Tinubu's leadership for the successful outcome of the exercise.

He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for decisively stepping in at a critical juncture during the operations, resulting in a highly successful and smooth-running event. Shettima commended the leadership of NAHCON, especially the chairman Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, for their confidence and capacity displayed during the previous Hajj. He urged the board to maintain the same spirit in future endeavors.

Shettima also highlighted the paradigm shift in Hajj operations from a government-to-government model to a business-to-business approach. He emphasized that while the government remains crucial in ensuring a hitch-free operation, NAHCON's role is equally vital in promoting the success of future Hajj exercises. Earlier, NAHCON Chairman Alhaji Yusuf thanked President Tinubu and the Vice President for their unwavering support, particularly in stabilizing foreign exchange access, securing the basic traveling allowance, and mitigating sudden spikes in aviation fuel costs.

These interventions, Yusuf stated, significantly alleviated the financial burden on pilgrims, ensuring the sacred obligation remained accessible even in a challenging global economic and geopolitical climate.