The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Wednesday, called for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s hajj administration to build a transparent, efficient, accountable, and pilgrim-centred system capable of setting the benchmark for service excellence.
Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Summit on Post-2026 Hajj Review and NAHCON Reform’, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, Mahmoud described the summit’s theme: “Repositioning Nigeria’s Hajj Industry as a Model of Service Excellence,” as timely and significant, adding that it reflects the nation’s collective resolve to improve the quality of services rendered to Nigerian pilgrims.
The minister said hajj is not only a sacred religious obligation but also an exercise that requires meticulous planning, seamless coordination, and exceptional service delivery.
“Every pilgrim deserves an experience that reflects dignity, safety, comfort and professionalism. Achieving this requires unwavering commitment, transparency, and accountability from all stakeholders,” she stated.
Mahmoud commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for convening the summit to undertake a critical assessment of the 2026 hajj operations, stressing that honest evaluation of achievements and challenges remains essential to strengthening public confidence and driving institutional reforms.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to initiatives that improve public service delivery, stating that collaboration among governments, regulatory agencies, service providers, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and religious leaders is indispensable to building a more efficient and sustainable hajj management system.
The minister urged participants to make meaningful contributions during the summit by drawing on practical experiences and global best practices.
“The recommendations from this summit should provide a clear roadmap for sustainable reforms that will enhance efficiency, accountability, innovation and pilgrims’ satisfaction,” she said.
Mahmoud also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to institutional reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the administration’s emphasis on transparency, efficiency and people-centred governance continues to strengthen critical national institutions, including those responsible for Hajj administration.