By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stepped up efforts to enhance pilgrims’ education and spiritual readiness ahead of the 2026 Hajj, with the inauguration of a national Ulama Team to guide intending pilgrims.

Chairman of the Commission, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, made this known during a strategic engagement with Islamic scholars held on April 22, 2026, at the Hajj House Conference Hall in Abuja; according to a statement issued, Sunday April 26, 2026, by Fatima Sanda Usara Information and Publications Division, NAHCON.

The high-level meeting drew about 120 prominent clerics from across the country, including Prof. Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Bala Lau, Sheikh Abdulmuhyi Nasir (representing Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir), Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju Ahmed, Sheikh Nasir Adam, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Haruna Gombe, Sheikh Usman Usman Dahiru Bauchi, and Dr. Isa Akindele Solahuddeen, among others.

Ambassador Abba emphasized that pilgrims’ education and orientation remain a top priority for the Commission, urging the Ulama to lead intensive sensitisation campaigns in multiple languages both before departure and during the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

He stressed that the clerics must ensure that pilgrims are properly guided on the rudiments and essential rites of Hajj to enable them perform their religious obligations correctly and avoid errors that could affect the validity of their pilgrimage.

The NAHCON boss also highlighted the importance of continuous engagement with pilgrims, including providing timely responses to questions and addressing challenges that may arise in the course of the spiritual exercise.

As part of their mandate, the Ulama Team is expected to organise special prayer sessions at key locations during Hajj, particularly at Arafat, where prayers will be offered for Nigeria, its leadership, national security, unity, peace, and economic prosperity.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Bashir Umar called on the clerics to encourage their followers to pray for peaceful elections in Nigeria, noting that the 2026 Hajj coincides with activities leading to the 2027 general elections.

The Ulama, In a collective response, underscored the need to prepare pilgrims mentally and spiritually, urging them to embrace unity, sincerity, patience, and total devotion to Allah. They also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a spiritually rewarding Hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.