*R-L: NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf and Emir Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli.
The Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has visited the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Shafii Sani Mohammed,
Head Information & Publications Division, NAHCON, said this in a press statement on Wednesday.
The Emir used the visit to assure the commission of the continued support of the Zazzau Emirate and the traditional institution for efforts aimed at improving the administration of Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims, the statement added.
He also called for sustained efficiency, early preparations and greater transparency in the organisation of the annual pilgrimage, stressing the need to continually improve the welfare and experience of Nigerian pilgrims.
Ambassador Bamalli commended the NAHCON leadership for its ongoing efforts to reform Hajj operations, noting that coordinating the logistics of tens of thousands of pilgrims was a complex responsibility requiring dedication, transparency and strategic planning.
According to him, traditional institutions remain important stakeholders in Hajj administration, particularly in mobilising, sensitising and preparing intending pilgrims for the spiritual journey.
“Hajj is a significant spiritual journey, and the comfort, safety, and well-being of our people while fulfilling this religious obligation must remain paramount,” the Emir said.
He added that the Zazzau Emirate was prepared to offer prayers, counsel and support to the commission, while urging NAHCON to sustain its drive towards structural efficiency and early preparation.
“We also urge the commission to sustain its drive toward structural efficiency, early preparations, and transparent communication to overcome recurring operational challenges,” he said.
Responding, the NAHCON Chairman expressed appreciation to the Emir for the visit, describing it as a significant morale booster for the commission’s management and staff.
Ambassador Yusuf briefed the royal father on the commission’s latest policy frameworks, digital innovations and strategic partnerships designed to improve the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
He said the initiatives were also aimed at reducing operational costs, improving accommodation and feeding arrangements, and streamlining the airlift of pilgrims to and from the Holy Land.
The NAHCON chairman assured the Emir that the commission would consider the insights and recommendations arising from the interaction, while reiterating its commitment to providing an efficient and dignified Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
He said the commission remained committed to meeting the expectations of the Federal Government and the wider Muslim Ummah in the administration of Hajj.
The visit underscores the role of traditional institutions as key stakeholders in Hajj administration, particularly in pilgrim education, mobilisation and sensitisation ahead of each Hajj season, Mohammed said.