The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday, 9th April 2026, undertook an official inspection visit to the Kaduna State Hajj Transit Camp at Mando, as part of efforts to assess readiness for the 2026 Hajj operations.
A statement signed by Ibrahim Datti Makarfi, public relations officer of the board, said the high-powered delegation was led by Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman, Commissioner representing the North-West Zone.
It said he was accompanied by key officials including Malam Yusuf Balele, Kaduna Zonal Director, Umar Kalgo, North-West Zonal Director (Kano) Almustapha Ahmad, Deputy Director (Special Duties) Shehu Usman Bello, Assistant Director, Kaduna Zonal Office; and Muhammad Ahmad Musa, Principal Information Officer, Kaduna Zonal Office, among others.
According to the statement,during the visit, the NAHCON team, in company of the management of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the facility to evaluate its level of preparedness for the forthcoming Hajj exercise.
Speaking after the inspection, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman expressed deep satisfaction with the impressive transformation of the camp. Reflecting on his previous visits in 2024 and 2025, he noted that each visit has revealed remarkable progress and visible commitment to development.
He particularly praised the leadership of Malam Salihu S Abubakar of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, stating that he had not seen any state pilgrims agency in the country executing such large-scale projects independently with its own resources, as witnessed in Kaduna State. He urged other states to emulate this model of initiative, dedication, and prudent management.
The Commissioner emphasized that adopting similar standards nationwide would significantly enhance the welfare and experience of Nigerian pilgrims. He also highlighted the need for continuous collaboration between NAHCON and state pilgrims agencies to ensure seamless and successful Hajj operations.
Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman further commended the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for his unwavering support and commitment to the Agency, calling on other state governments to provide similar support to their respective pilgrims agencies.
Responding on behalf of the Agency, the Administrative Secretary, Malam Baba Rufa’i, who represented the Executive Chairman, attributed the achievements to the strong synergy, understanding, and sustained support from the Kaduna State Government under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani.
The NAHCON team expressed admiration for the extensive upgrades at the Hajj Transit Camp, describing them as both impressive and impactful. Key developments highlighted include the construction of access roads and culverts, installation of solar-powered street lights by the Kaduna State Government, as well as the Agency’s construction of a modern reception hall, a new ICT centre, an ultra-modern market, and the overall rehabilitation of the camp.
The visit reaffirmed Kaduna State’s position as a leading model in Hajj preparation and pilgrims welfare administration in Nigeria.
