By Fatima Dayyab Usman, Vision FM Kaduna 

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has inaugurated the Aviation Monitoring Committee for the 2026 Hajj operations at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the inauguration at Hajj House, Professor Usman charged the committee to function as diligent gatekeepers, ensuring transparent and impartial oversight of all aviation matters related to the pilgrimage. He stressed that the committee was not a decorative body but a vital mechanism to guarantee efficiency and uphold the Commission’s zero-tolerance for failure.

“For the Nigerian Government, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, facilitating this spiritual journey is not just a statutory duty but a sacred trust. We are committed to ensuring every Nigerian pilgrim performs their Ibadah in comfort and safety,” the Chairman said.

Professor Usman noted that although the Commission has achieved steady improvements in airlift logistics, aviation remains the most sensitive and visible aspect of Hajj operations. He urged the members to execute their duties with integrity, patriotism, and professionalism, emphasizing that millions of Nigerian Muslims rely on their commitment.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Operations and Licensing, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, expressed appreciation to the Chairman for the confidence reposed in the committee. He assured that the team would deliver on its mandate of guaranteeing safe, secure, and dignified air transport for pilgrims.

“Our mission is straightforward and solemn — to ensure safe and dignified air travel for pilgrims. We will not compromise the safety of Nigerian pilgrims,” Elegushi stated.

The committee is tasked with reviewing airline documents, inspecting designated airports, monitoring flight operations, ensuring compliance with airlift and luggage policies, and recommending penalties for defaulting carriers or state pilgrims’ boards, among other duties.

Professor Usman expressed full confidence in the collective expertise of the members, urging them to see their assignment as a sacred national responsibility.