News Editor
By Olu Balogun
As part of preparations for the 2026 Hajj, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has begun an intensive staff training program to strengthen its operations and raise service standards for Nigerian pilgrims.
The training initiative, according to the commission, focuses on equipping personnel with expertise to manage the rigorous process of pre-qualifying service providers both onshore and offshore, from accommodation, catering to Masha’ir services, airlines among others.
It is also part of NAHCON’s effective Hajj management drive, is designed to equip personnel with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage the complex process of selecting and contracting service providers in Saudi Arabia.
A statement by Mariam Zubair Abubakar of the Public Affairs Unit of NAHCON, said the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Alidu Shuti, urged the staff to master every facet of the Hajj process.
Shuti said: “The training is not just a formality, but a tool to ensure staff are competent in assessing service providers, whether in accommodation, catering, or Muassasah services.
“At the end of this lecture, all of us should be able to understand what is required for the qualification of service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The Registrar of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, represented by Dr. Ibrahim Jalingo, challenged participants to become proficient in the contracting process, emphasizing that “this competence would enable them to serve as credible ambassadors for the Commission.”
He described the program as transformative, noting that proper training has the potential to reshape staff attitudes and approaches to their work.
The facilitator, Director of Planning, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud, commended the dedication of the staff and urged them to broaden their understanding beyond their current departments.
Mahmud highlighted the importance of teamwork, continuous skill development, and confidence building.
“After this training, every staff member should be able to identify, select, and contract Hajj service providers with full confidence in the process,” he stated.
The statement pointed out that by investing in staff development and insisting on competence at every level, NAHCON is signaling its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive efficient and reliable services during the upcoming 2026 Hajj.
