Shettima flags off 2026 hajj airlift in Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima
Abdullateef Fowewe
Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched the 2026 Hajj operations Sunday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, airlifting about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State to Saudi Arabia as part of operations for 50,000 total pilgrims.
Shettima urged pilgrims to act as “ambassadors of Nigeria,” upholding national values abroad.
“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,” he said.
He called Hajj a “binding covenant between the Nigerian state and its citizens,” stressing government duties for safety and welfare.
“Our duty is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship, needless anxiety, or preventable setback,” Shettima added.
The VP tasked officials for top coordination, measuring success by pilgrim comfort over flight numbers.
“The success of this operation will not be measured by the number of aircraft that depart alone, but by the comfort of our pilgrims,” he noted.
Kogi Governor Usman Ododo urged prayers for Nigeria’s peace and leaders.
Ministers Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure and aviation rep Festus Keyamo pledged seamless support, while NAHCON Chair Ismail Abba Yusuf assured reforms for transparency.
