The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded the inspection of accommodation and catering facilities in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, as part of its early preparations for next year’s Hajj operations.
The exercise, which took place between November 3 and 5, was led by NAHCON’s Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Yagawal.
The delegation comprised representatives from the Office of the Vice President, NAHCON board members, the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards Forum, and senior management officials of the commission.
A statement by the commission said the inspection aimed to assess the readiness of service providers ahead of next year’s pilgrimage. The team carried out on-site evaluations of hotel accommodations and catering facilities, verified operational documents, and ensured compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations as well as NAHCON’s standards on accommodation and feeding.
The NAHCON team inspected more than 20 hotels within the Markaziyya area of Madinah and seven catering facilities. The inspection, the Commission said, showed strong adherence to its guidelines, particularly in areas of safety, hygiene, and service quality.
Before the committee’s departure, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, charged members to demonstrate integrity, transparency, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“Integrity, impartiality, and transparency must guide every aspect of this inspection. You are to discharge your responsibilities with diligence and professional discipline. The welfare, safety, and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims remain our foremost priority, and every inspection outcome must reflect that commitment,” he stated.
Prof. Usman reaffirmed the commission’s determination to strengthen its regulatory framework and enhance accountability among service providers to ensure that pilgrims get full value for the services they pay for.
The inspection team is expected to present its detailed report to NAHCON management for review and subsequent policy action.
