The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), state pilgrims’ welfare boards, and tour operators to urgently overhaul their enlightenment programmes ahead of the 2027 Hajj, warning that failure to comply may attract sanctions.
The group cautioned that the current emphasis on purely spiritual tutoring is inadequate, noting that ignorance of Saudi Arabia’s laws and regulations now carries severe consequences for Nigerian pilgrims.
In a statement issued on Friday, IHR National Coordinator Ibrahim Muhammad urged NAHCON to introduce a mandatory, standardised pilgrims’ enlightenment curriculum for all states and licensed operators.
The proposed curriculum, according to the group, must extend beyond Hajj rites to encompass practical guidance on registration, timelines, health protocols, security measures, and legal compliance in Saudi Arabia.
“Pilgrims’ enlightenment and education goes beyond spiritual tutoring about Hajj rites and religious rituals as they are being taught at present,” the organisation stated.
The curriculum should cover updated registration procedures and Hajj schedules; travel and security protocols; prohibited activities in Saudi Arabia; regulations on prescription and controlled medications; pilgrims’ rights, privileges and responsibilities; and proper conduct during Hajj.
The group specifically highlighted Saudi regulations on medications, stressing that pilgrims travelling with prescription or controlled drugs must receive clear instruction on electronic clearance requirements and prior approval from Saudi authorities.
IHR also demanded explicit lessons on the Kingdom’s strict prohibition of political and sectarian activities at the holy sites.
“States and tour operators should ensure that pilgrims are adequately enlightened that Saudi Arabia maintains strict restrictions on political and sectarian activities at the holy sites during Hajj,” the statement read.
“Political flags, sectarian banners, slogans, chants and other forms of political expression are prohibited. Pilgrims must understand that participation in or display of such materials could attract serious consequences under Saudi regulations.”
The organisation further advised NAHCON to incorporate spiritual guidance against violence, and restrictions on photography and videography during Hajj rites.
IHR said effective pilgrims’ education should be treated as a core component of Hajj preparation, rather than a routine religious lecture.
It urged NAHCON to collaborate with state boards, tour operators, religious scholars, security agencies, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework ahead of 2027, with the goal of ensuring Nigerian pilgrims are both spiritually prepared and fully informed about the legal, security, health, administrative, and behavioural requirements governing the pilgrimage.