Shettima flags off 2026 Hajj, urges pilgrims to uphold Nigeria’s values abroad

Vice President Kashim Shettima has flagged off the 2026 Hajj airlift operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, calling on Nigerian pilgrims to serve as positive ambassadors of the country and uphold values that reflect Nigeria in good light.

In a statement on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people. Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience, and integrity.”

“Our duty is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship, needless anxiety, or preventable setback,” he added.

The 2026 inaugural flight saw about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State depart for Saudi Arabia, with a total of about 50,000 pilgrims expected to participate in this year’s exercise.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, Shettima noted that President Bola Tinubu remains dedicated to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, describing governance as a responsibility anchored on service and accountability.

“The success of this operation will not be measured by the number of aircraft that depart alone, but by the comfort of our pilgrims, the orderliness of our processes, and the absence of avoidable hardship,” he said.

Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo urged pilgrims to pray for peace and national development, while Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, commended inter-agency coordination aimed at ensuring seamless operations.

The Minister of Aviation, represented by Captain Mamud Abdullahi, assured that aviation authorities were working with relevant agencies to guarantee safety and comfort for all pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf, said ongoing reforms under the Tinubu administration would strengthen transparency, efficiency, and pilgrim welfare.