Shettima Flags Off 2026 Hajj Airlift, Urges Pilgrims to Uphold Nigeria’s Image

Shettima Flags Off 2026 Hajj Airlift, Urges Pilgrims to Uphold Nigeria’s Image

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged intending Muslim pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to uphold values that positively reflect Nigeria, describing them as ambassadors of the nation on the global stage.

The Vice President gave the charge on Sunday while flagging off the 2026 Hajj airlift at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to safety, coordination, and pilgrim welfare.

“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,” Shettima said.

The inaugural flight saw the airlift of about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State to Saudi Arabia, out of a total of approximately 50,000 Nigerians expected to participate in the pilgrimage.

Describing the Hajj exercise as a shared responsibility between the government and citizens, the Vice President said public institutions must ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims, while participants must uphold the nation’s values.

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

Shettima also reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians both at home and abroad, noting that the success of the exercise would be measured not only by logistics but by the quality of experience for pilgrims.

“There is no room for negligence where faith, lives, and national reputation converge,” he added, charging all agencies involved to deliver efficient and coordinated services.

Earlier, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo described the pilgrimage as a sacred privilege and urged pilgrims to pray for Nigeria’s peace and development.

Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, commended the Federal Government’s efforts in strengthening institutional coordination, assuring that measures were in place to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, represented by Captain Mamud Abdullahi, said the government was working with relevant agencies to ensure safety and operational efficiency across airports.

In his remarks, Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, urging them to conduct themselves with humility throughout the exercise.

The 2026 Hajj operation marks the beginning of a nationwide airlift programme expected to run across multiple states, with authorities emphasizing improved coordination and service delivery throughout the pilgrimage period.

Shettima Flags Off 2026 Hajj Airlift, Urges Pilgrims to Uphold Nigeria’s Image