FCT Minister Calls for Hajj Industry Reform and Transparency
Dr Mariya Mahmoud urges stronger cooperation among stakeholders to improve Nigeria’s Hajj operations and enhance pilgrim experiences.
The FCT Minister has called for stronger cooperation among government bodies, regulators and service providers to transform Nigeria’s Hajj industry into a model of excellence and accountability.
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, made the call during the Stakeholders’ Summit on the Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mahmoud said effective reforms and joint efforts were necessary to create a more efficient, transparent and pilgrim-focused system. She described the summit theme, “Repositioning Nigeria’s Hajj Industry as a Model of Service Excellence,” as timely and important for improving public confidence in Hajj administration.
The minister said every Nigerian pilgrim deserves a journey defined by dignity, safety, comfort and professionalism. According to her, achieving this standard requires proper planning, strong coordination and commitment from all stakeholders.
She explained that the annual pilgrimage is not only a religious responsibility but also a major national project requiring cooperation between the Federal Government, state authorities, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), service providers and religious leaders.
The FCT Minister praised NAHCON for organising the review summit, saying it provided an important opportunity to examine the successes and challenges of the 2026 Hajj exercise. She added that honest evaluation remains essential for improving future operations.
Mahmoud reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to supporting better governance and service delivery within Nigeria’s Hajj system. She encouraged participants to adopt international best practices and develop practical solutions that improve efficiency and accountability.
She also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting institutional reforms across key sectors, including Hajj administration.
The summit brought together government officials, Hajj administrators, regulators and service providers to review the 2026 pilgrimage and create plans for better preparation ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
Do you think stronger cooperation among Hajj stakeholders can significantly improve the experience of Nigerian pilgrims?
