A registered faith-based civil society organisation, CSO that monitors and reports on Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has congratulated the new Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu and confirmation by the Senate, recently.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad and released on Thursday, IHR urge the new chairman to provide purposeful leadership that would rebrand the commission and restore public confidence.
“We believe that Ambassador Yusuf’s diplomatic background and previous participation in Hajj activities position him well to understand and address the pressing issues within Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah industry.
“His appointment comes at a time when the commission is grappling with negative public perception that has affected its credibility and its ability to fully discharge its responsibilities as provided in the NAHCON Establishment Act 2006.
“We respectfully call on the chairman to initiate operational reforms in line with global best practices among Hajj-participating countries. We also advocate the introduction of merit-based policies that will make service to pilgrims the commission’s first and last priority.
“While we understand the limitations of expectations regarding the 2026 Hajj, given that most pre-Hajj arrangements were concluded before his appointment, we encourage him to begin laying the foundation for long-term structural reforms that will enhance transparency, accountability and professionalism in future Hajj operations,” the statement reads in part.
IHR further urged NAHCON to look beyond the confines of the Hajj House by engaging critical stakeholders across the Hajj and Umrah sector, provided such consultations do not compromise the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
As an organisation solely dedicated to Hajj and Umrah coverage, it pledged commitment to utilising both public and administrative channels to offer constructive criticism aimed at improving the standard of Hajj administration and ensuring better services for Nigerian pilgrims.
“Our responsibility to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims remains a top priority. We shall continue to undertake this constitutionally guaranteed duty diligently and with commitment, mindful of the spiritual significance of Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam,” the IHR further promised.