Yayale Ahmed, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in preparation for the upcoming 2027 Hajj. This appeal was made during a recent visit to NAHCON's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ismail Yusuf, at the Hajj House in Abuja.

Ahmed commended the strides made by NAHCON under Yusuf's leadership, particularly in enhancing the welfare of pilgrims. He emphasized that a sustained focus on the needs of pilgrims is crucial for improving their overall experience during the Hajj. According to a statement from Shafii Mohammed, the Head of Information and Publications at NAHCON, Ahmed expressed his appreciation for the warm reception he received during the visit.

In his remarks, Ahmed praised the Chairman’s agenda, which he noted is centered on prioritizing the welfare of pilgrims. He stated that the attention given to the needs of pilgrims is essential for their satisfaction and overall experience during the pilgrimage.

Responding to Ahmed's comments, Ambassador Yusuf acknowledged the former SGF as a key stakeholder in the Hajj sector, recognizing his extensive administrative experience and insights as invaluable assets. Yusuf expressed gratitude for the visit and highlighted the importance of Ahmed's continued guidance and interest in the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.

The 2027 Hajj is set to see an increase in Nigeria's quota, rising from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims. This increase was confirmed on October 1, following Saudi Arabia's approval of an additional 10,000 slots for Nigeria. Yusuf noted that this additional allocation reflects the strong and cordial relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. He assured that the management of these slots would adhere to relevant regulations and operational requirements, ensuring transparency in the process.

As preparations for the 2027 Hajj continue, the commitment from NAHCON to leverage the insights of key stakeholders like Ahmed is expected to play a significant role in reforming Hajj administration and enhancing service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.