Stakeholders strategise for smooth 2027 hajj - The Guardian Nigeria News

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has convened a stakeholders’ meeting to review the previous Hajj operations, and commence preparations for the upcoming 2027 Hajj airlift.

Held last Tuesday at its corporate headquarters in Abuja, the meeting drew the participation of key stakeholders including relevant agencies and Hajj airlift operators such as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the National Hajj ommission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and participating Hajj airlines, including Saudi Air, Flynas, Air Peace, Max Air and Umza .

Represented by the Director, Aerodrome and Airspace Standards (DAAS) and Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Ahmad Abba, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, reiterated NCAA’s strong commitment to working closely with relevant stakeholders to review previous Hajj operations, and address identified challenges in a bid to ensure safe, efficient and successful operations in 2027.

In his remarks, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, highlighted key challenges from the previous operations, and provided updates on the new Saudi Government policy on the proposed allocation of 98 per cent of pilgrims to tour operators as well as the allocation of states to airlines for the 2027 Hajj airlift.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to sustain efforts to improve efficiency and transparency in the administration of Hajj operations.

The Emir made the call when he visited the NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Bamalli assured the commission of the support of the traditional institution, stressing the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring a smooth Hajj exercise for Nigerian pilgrims.

The monarch commended NAHCON’s efforts to reform Hajj operations, noting that managing the logistics involved in transporting and catering for tens of thousands of pilgrims required dedication, transparency and strategic planning.

According to him, the Zazzau Emirate and the traditional institution have important roles to play in mobilising and sensitising intending pilgrims ahead of the yearly pilgrimage.

“Hajj is a significant spiritual journey, and the comfort, safety and well-being of our people while fulfilling this religious obligation must remain paramount,” he said.

The Emir urged the commission to sustain its focus on early preparations, structural efficiency and transparent communication in order to address recurring operational challenges.

“We are here to offer our prayers, counsel and support to NAHCON,” he said.

Responding, the NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Emir for the visit, describing it as a morale booster for the commission’s management and staff.

Yusuf briefed the royal father on the commission’s latest policy frameworks, digital initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing the cost of Hajj operations, improving accommodation and feeding arrangements, and streamlining the airlift of pilgrims.

The NAHCON chairman also assured the Emir that the commission would consider the issues and suggestions raised during the meeting.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to improving Hajj administration and delivering services that meet the expectations of the Nigerian government and the Muslim Ummah.