Saudi Hajj Ministry Organizes One-Day Workshop to Strengthen Pilgrims’ Services
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Monday intensified preparations for the 2026 Hajj by organizing a one-day interactive workshop to strengthen pilgrims’ safety, operational coordination and service delivery.
The ministry gathered Hajj officials, hospitality centers, service providers and key stakeholders responsible for pilgrims’ welfare across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the May 18 workshop.
Discussions centered on improving coordination during the critical Mashaer phase of Hajj, especially pilgrims’ movement between Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
Facilitators urged officials to enforce organized group movement under designated coordinators to reduce incidents of missing pilgrims and ensure seamless transportation throughout the pilgrimage.
The Deputy Makkah Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mallam Ibrahim Idris, led the Nigerian delegation alongside representatives from State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Commissions and Agencies.
Addressing participants, Ibrahim Idris delivered a goodwill message from NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, who currently supervises the ongoing airlift of Nigerian pilgrims and other operational activities ahead of his arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Through Idris, the NAHCON chairman assured Saudi authorities that Nigerian pilgrims and officials would fully comply with the Kingdom’s operational guidelines and regulations throughout the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The ministry also demonstrated the use of Nusuk cards and digital applications designed to help pilgrims identify locations, navigate routes and access essential services in the Holy Land.
Officials explained that the digital platforms would enable pilgrims to locate camps, transportation routes and emergency support services more efficiently during the pilgrimage.
Participants further examined emergency response procedures, medical support arrangements and stronger collaboration among hospitality centres, service providers and Hajj officials to tackle operational challenges during Hajj.
Stakeholders commended the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for organising the workshop, describing the initiative as timely and critical to improving pilgrims’ welfare and ensuring a smooth Hajj 2026 operation.
