After NAHCON Chairman’s Exit, IHR Urges FG to Prioritise Stability Ahead of 2026 Hajj

Independent Hajj Reporters have called on the Federal Government to ensure stability and continuity in the management of the 2026 Hajj operations following the resignation of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to exercise caution and pragmatism at what it described as a critical stage of the Hajj preparation process.

In a commentary issued after the development, the group noted that significant aspects of the exercise had already been concluded, including pilgrims’ registration, logistics planning, and operational arrangements. It therefore stressed the need to allow officials already involved in the process to continue managing the exercise to avoid disruptions.

“Following the resignation of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), we, Independent Hajj Reporters, call on the President and the Vice President to exercise caution and pragmatism at this very critical stage of the 2025 Hajj operations,” the group stated.

The group emphasised that with major arrangements already in place, continuity in leadership would be crucial to the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. “With major arrangements already concluded, including pilgrims’ registration, logistics planning, and the operational framework, there is a clear need to allow officials who have been directly involved in these processes to continue steering the exercise,” it said.

Independent Hajj Reporters further advised the Federal Government to appoint an acting chairman from within the existing operational structure, stressing that such a person should be competent and relatively free from corruption allegations. According to the group, this would help maintain stability while the process of appointing a substantive chairman continues.

“We urge the Federal Government to appoint, in an acting capacity, the most competent individual and relatively free from allegation of corruption from within the existing operational team to lead the commission for this year’s Hajj,” the statement read. “Such a decision will guarantee continuity and prevent avoidable disruptions, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman with proven experience and a credible track record in Hajj administration who can later reconfigure and strengthen the system.”

The group also expressed support for the government’s decision to accept the resignation of the former chairman, citing longstanding concerns and internal challenges within the commission.

“We also align with the government’s decision to accept the resignation of the former chairman, especially in view of the numerous allegations against him and the deep division that existed between his office and members of the NAHCON board,” the group noted. “The breakdown in working relations made effective collaboration impossible and, if allowed to continue, would have negatively affected Nigerian pilgrims.”

The commentary warned against bringing in an entirely new figure from outside the system at this stage, saying such a move could destabilise ongoing preparations.

“Furthermore, we caution against appointing an entirely new figure from outside the system at this late stage of preparations. Doing so would amount to starting the operation afresh, which is neither practical nor advisable at a time when pilgrims have completed registration and are awaiting airlift,” the group said.

It added that the current moment requires steady leadership rather than experimentation. “This is not the moment for experimentation, but for stability, continuity, and informed leadership drawn from those already embedded in the current Hajj framework,” the group stressed.

Independent Hajj Reporters said its position was informed by its long-standing experience in Hajj operations and the evolving structure of the exercise under Saudi Arabian authorities. “Our position is an extract from experiences in Hajj operations, especially the current structural characteristics of Hajj exercise brought about by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement added.

The group concluded by urging authorities to place the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims at the centre of all decisions regarding the leadership transition.

“Ultimately, our call is for a transition that places the welfare, comfort, and successful participation of Nigerian pilgrims above all other considerations,” it stated.