Renowned Islamic scholar and former Chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Dr. Abdulhakeem AbdulLateef, widely known as 'Hon. Iyepe', has officially launched the 2026 Hajj operations for a group of 340 pilgrims under his coordination. This contingent includes 90 participants from the diaspora, representing a sophisticated logistical and spiritual endeavor that AbdulLateef describes as an act of worship and service to humanity.
Intensive Preparation Programme
In a departure from conventional travel arrangements, the pilgrims underwent a rigorous five-month intensive education programme. The curriculum covered Islamic jurisprudence, spiritual purification, and behavioral discipline to ensure participants are well-versed in the fundamentals of Hajj rites. AbdulLateef announced with pride, 'Not a single pilgrim failed. All who sat for the examination scored above 50 percent. This success reflects their commitment and our seriousness in ensuring no one is confused during the rites in Makkah and Madinah.'
Airlift Operations Begin
Airlift operations commenced on Monday, May 11, 2026, utilizing a multi-batch system to ensure orderliness. The staggered departure involves major international carriers: Qatar Airways handles the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th batches; Egypt Air transports the 2nd batch; and Emirates Airline completes the 6th batch. The 90 diaspora pilgrims are scheduled to join the main body in Madinah, facilitating seamless transnational integration.
Navigating Quota Restrictions
Addressing the 2026 quota restrictions, which limited private companies to 69 slots, AbdulLateef explained that his organization partnered with other licensed tour operators. 'This collaboration was strategic,' he noted. 'It ensured that no pilgrim under our care was left behind despite the regulatory limits placed on private operators by NAHCON and Saudi authorities.' He expressed full support for Saudi Arabia's 'No Hajj Permit, No Hajj' policy, emphasizing its importance in preventing overcrowding. All 340 pilgrims have been registered on the Nusuk application, with designated time slots secured for sacred rites.
Emphasis on Communication and Support
Director of Dawah and Enlightenment, Prof. Tajudeen Yusuf, highlighted the critical role of communication between pilgrims and tour operators for a successful Hajj. 'When pilgrims are not well-informed or enlightened, things can go wrong,' Yusuf stated. 'We want to ensure they don't lose the spiritual, moral, and physical significance of the journey, so they can gain maximum benefit. We have established an adequate structure to support them both during and after the Hajj rites.' To guarantee high standards of service, Yusuf noted that the Managing Director is traveling with the first batch of pilgrims. 'Our agents are fully on the ground to guide and direct. While the Saudi authorities have introduced a few changes, we are leveraging our years of experience to overcome any challenges,' he added.
Pilgrims Express Confidence
A returning pilgrim, Rasheedat Abdulkareem, praised the level of preparation provided by Hon. Iyepe's tour operator. 'From the Dawah and enlightenment sessions held right here in Nigeria, this experience is already much better than my first trip,' Abdulkareem said. 'Even first-timers now know the rituals and what to do at every location. If all pilgrims were this well-enlightened, the Hajj exercise would be truly seamless.' Another pilgrim, Nawal Adebayo, who learned of the operator through his father, expressed high confidence in the process. 'I'm very happy to be going. They are excellent at communicating and are consistent in sharing necessary information,' he shared. 'The enlightenment sessions were thorough—we were even given a 100-question exam, which I passed. I feel fully prepared and am hoping for a smooth Hajj exercise.'
