Top 10 Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Hajj Industry to Impact 2026 Hajj
By Auwal Ahmad Umar
Every year, the Hajj operation ranks among Nigeria’s most complex national assignments. Tens of thousands of pilgrims must be transported to Saudi Arabia under strict timelines, with flights, visas, accommodation, feeding, payments and diplomacy all working in sync. While institutions provide the structure, individuals drive the outcomes.
As preparations for the 2026 Hajj gather pace, these ten personalities have emerged as the most influential figures shaping Nigeria’s Hajj industry, determining policy direction, operational efficiency and pilgrim welfare.
Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)
Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman heads Nigeria’s apex Hajj regulatory body, making him the most influential figure in the sector. As NAHCON chairman, all major Hajj policies, approvals and compliance measures pass through his office.
Since assuming office in 2024, he has prioritised service quality, financial transparency and long-term planning. Under his leadership, NAHCON strengthened agreements with Saudi service providers and expanded partnerships with Islamic banks to improve the Hajj Savings Scheme. For the 2026 Hajj, his focus is on value for money, early planning and strict adherence to regulations.
Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi
Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, NAHCON
Prince Elegushi oversees the operational engine of Nigeria’s Hajj system. His responsibilities include logistics, licensing of operators and coordination between state pilgrims boards and NAHCON.
With hands-on experience as Lagos Amirul Hajj in 2023, he understands pilgrim welfare, crowd management and compliance challenges. His role ensures that national Hajj policies translate into smooth on-ground experiences for Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah, Mina and Madinah.
Idris Tanko Al-Makura
Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board
Chairman, Forum of States Pilgrims Welfare Boards
Al-Makura represents the collective interests of all state pilgrims welfare boards. Through the Forum of States Pilgrims Welfare Boards, he coordinates alignment on payment schedules, quota utilisation and welfare standards.
His leadership has reduced fragmentation among states and strengthened their negotiating position with NAHCON and Saudi service providers, making him a major influencer in Nigeria’s Hajj planning process.
Alhaji Mohammed Auwal
Chairman, Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria
The private sector plays a major role in Nigeria’s Hajj operations, and Alhaji Mohammed Auwal is its leading voice. He represents licensed private tour operators handling thousands of Nigerian pilgrims annually.
Under his leadership, operators adopted joint service agreements, improved early registration and aligned more closely with NAHCON’s compliance framework. His influence helps balance regulation with market realities in the Hajj industry.
Abdullateef Yusuf Ekundayo
National President, Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON)
As head of another major private operators’ association, Ekundayo brings real-time market insights into policy discussions. He has championed digital processing reforms, operator training and structured collaboration with NAHCON.
His coordination efforts during flight disruptions have improved crisis response and professionalism within Nigeria’s private Hajj operations.
Dahiru Barau Mangal
Founder and Chairman, Max Air
Airlift is the backbone of any successful Hajj operation, making Dahiru Mangal one of the most critical players. Max Air has consistently demonstrated capacity to handle large pilgrim volumes under pressure.
During the 2023 Hajj, the airline rescued about 6,000 stranded private pilgrims after another carrier failed and absorbed thousands of state pilgrims at short notice. This reliability places Max Air at the centre of planning for the 2026 Hajj.
Lamin Rabi’u Danbappa
Director General, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board
Kano State often records the highest number of Nigerian pilgrims, making its performance crucial to national success. As Director General, Danbappa oversees large-scale registration, quota utilisation and deployment.
His emphasis on early preparation and coordination has helped stabilise national Hajj timelines and reduce operational risks.
Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq
Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance, NAHCON
Behind every successful Hajj operation is disciplined financial management. Prince Abdulrazaq oversees budgets, timelines and internal controls at NAHCON.
By tightening financial processes and linking spending to operational milestones, he has reduced last-minute disruptions that often derail Hajj planning.
Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal
Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, NAHCON
Data now drives modern Hajj management. Yagawal’s department provides the research, statistics and institutional memory that inform policy decisions.
His work supports quota negotiations, logistics planning and evidence-based reforms, helping Nigeria avoid repeated mistakes from past Hajj operations.
Faruku Musa Yaro
Executive Secretary, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board
Though Kebbi operates with smaller pilgrim numbers, Faruku Musa Yaro has gained recognition for operational discipline. By enforcing early payments, strict screening and clear rules for officials, he has positioned Kebbi as a model of compliance.
His approach highlights how strong state-level discipline supports national Hajj success.
Conclusion
These top 10 influential figures in Nigeria’s Hajj industry form the backbone of preparations for the 2026 Hajj. Their decisions shape policy, logistics, finance, airlift and pilgrim welfare. As expectations rise and timelines tighten, their leadership will determine whether Nigeria delivers a smooth, efficient and dignified Hajj experience for its pilgrims.
