The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has inaugurated the Aviation Monitoring Committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise at the Commission’s Board Room, Hajj House, Abuja.
The Chairman charged the newly inaugurated committee to function as diligent gatekeepers, entrusted with the critical mandate of undertaking transparent and impartial monitoring of all aviation matters. He made it clear that the committee is a functional, non-decorative body, reflecting the Commission’s zero-tolerance for failure and its core commitment to pilgrim welfare.
“For the Nigerian Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, facilitating this spiritual journey for its citizens is not just a statutory duty, it is a sacred trust. We are committed to ensuring that every Nigerian pilgrim performs their Ibadah in comfort and safety,” he said.
The Chairman emphasized that while the Commission has recorded steady improvements in airlift logistics, aviation remains the most sensitive and visible component of Hajj operations.
“This Committee is not a decorative body; it is our commitment to pilgrim welfare. You are the gatekeepers, entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring the aviation matters of our pilgrims,” he stated.
Delivering the welcome address, the Commissioner of Operations and Licensing, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, thanked the Chairman for the confidence reposed in the committee and pledged the team’s total commitment to its mandate. “Our mission is straightforward and solemn to guarantee safe, secure, and dignified air transport for pilgrims. We will not compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims,” Prince Elegushi assured.
The Committee’s Terms of Reference include:
1. Reviewing and evaluating all documents submitted by applicant airlines and cargo carriers for the 2026 Hajj.
2. Participating in the 2026 Hajj Pilgrims and Cargo Carriers Screening Committee.
3. Inspecting and assessing the readiness of designated airports for Hajj operations.
4. Making observations and recommendations on airport preparedness.
5. Monitoring inbound and outbound flights at all departure centers to ensure compliance with airlift agreements and industry standards.
6. Monitoring the quality of in-flight services in line with industry standards.
7. Ensuring compliance with the Commission’s luggage policy by carriers and pilgrims.
8. Recommending appropriate actions or penalties against defaulting carriers or State Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
9. Liaising with the Central Security Committee and Task Force on abscondment of pilgrims to provide support when required.
10. Undertaking any other action necessary for the success of Hajj airlift operations and making related recommendations.
Professor Usman urged the members to carry out their duties with the highest levels of integrity, patriotism, and professionalism, reminding them that the eyes of millions of Nigerian Muslims are upon them. He expressed full confidence in the collective expertise of the committee members and tasked them to see their assignment as a sacred duty.
Ahmad Muazu is aTechnical Assistant (Media) to the Chairman/CEO, NAHCON
