The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has signed the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement, charging participating airlines to comply strictly with operational standards and timelines for the pilgrimage.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, described the event as “a defining milestone in the commission’s readiness for the 2026 Hajj,” stressing that the airlift operation is a critical component of the pilgrimage.
According to a statement signed by Shafi Mohammed for the Commission’s Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, and issued on Wednesday in Abuja, he noted that the exercise must be handled with “utmost professionalism, precision, and commitment.”
He added that Hajj operations are time-bound and require careful coordination to ensure pilgrims are transported to and from Saudi Arabia within stipulated timelines.
Abba warned that compliance with the agreement was non-negotiable.
“Any airline that performs excellently will continue to enjoy our confidence and partnership, but any airline that underperforms or fails to meet agreed timelines will be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the agreement. The interest of Nigerian pilgrims remains our top priority,” he said.
He disclosed that the agreement provides recovery timelines for airlines that fall behind schedule and alternative arrangements where necessary to prevent disruptions, assuring stakeholders that NAHCON would diligently carry out its oversight responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Commissioner, Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi, said the agreement reflected strengthened collaboration and a shared commitment to service excellence.
He noted that lessons from the 2025 Hajj airlift would guide improvements in the 2026 operations, emphasising that punctuality, operational efficiency, adequate aircraft deployment and effective management of challenges were critical to success.
Speaking on behalf of the participating airlines, Shehu Wada (SAN), Executive Director and representative of Max Air, thanked NAHCON for the confidence reposed in them.
He described the Hajj airlift as “a national assignment” and assured the Commission of the airlines’ commitment to safety, punctuality and adherence to agreed schedules.
The ceremony ended with the formal signing of the agreement, underscoring NAHCON’s resolve, in partnership with the airlines, to deliver a smooth and efficient 2026 Hajj airlift operation, the statement added.
Credit: punchng.com
