IHR Commends Smooth 2026 Pilgrims Airlift, Urges Improvements at Departure Centres

The 2026 Hajj airlift operation has recorded significant progress, with stakeholders praising the level of coordination achieved so far while also identifying areas requiring urgent improvement to enhance pilgrims’ welfare and safety.

In its interim monitoring report released on Saturday, Independent Hajj Reporters commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the four approved air carriers for what it described as a largely seamless and well-coordinated offshore airlift exercise.

According to the group, 17,362 Nigerian pilgrims had been successfully transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through 41 flight operations as of May 10, 2026.

The monitoring committee, led by Nasiru Lawal, stated that the assessment was conducted using a “no-see” monitoring method aimed at ensuring objectivity and independence throughout the exercise.

While applauding the general compliance of the airlines with approved flight schedules, the committee drew attention to operational gaps observed at some embarkation centres, particularly concerning pilgrims’ access to assistance and crowd management.

The group noted that many intending pilgrims struggled to identify officials responsible for providing support at departure points, recommending that all personnel involved in the Hajj operation wear clearly identifiable uniforms and name tags to improve accessibility, coordination and accountability.

The report also expressed concern over the method adopted by some State Pilgrims Welfare Boards in distributing the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), describing the process as disorganised and capable of exposing pilgrims to avoidable financial risks.

According to the committee, adopting a more structured and secure disbursement process would help protect pilgrims and reduce confusion during departure procedures.

The organisation further appealed to security agencies to strengthen access control measures at departure centres by restricting entry into sensitive areas to only verified pilgrims and authorised officials.

The committee maintained that its observations were aimed at supporting ongoing improvements in Hajj administration and ensuring a safer, more organised and pilgrim-friendly exercise for Nigerians participating in the 2026 pilgrimage.