Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation that reports on and advocates workable policies within the Hajj and Umrah sector, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), state pilgrims’ welfare boards and Hajj tour operators to reconfigure their pilgrims’ enlightenment programmes to reflect current realities and emerging regulations in the industry.
IHR said pilgrims’ enlightenment should go beyond spiritual tutoring on Hajj rites and religious rituals to provide intending pilgrims with practical information necessary for a safe, orderly and successful pilgrimage.
The organisation, in a statement by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, urged NAHCON to develop and introduce a mandatory and standardised pilgrims’ enlightenment curriculum for states and tour operators ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
According to IHR, the proposed curriculum should cover pilgrims’ registration procedures, updated Hajj timelines, travel and security guidelines, prohibited activities in Saudi Arabia, regulations governing the carriage of prescription and controlled medications, as well as appropriate conduct during Hajj.
“Pilgrims’ enlightenment and education goes beyond spiritual tutoring about Hajj rites and religious rituals as they are being taught at present.
“NAHCON should introduce a mandatory curriculum that covers pilgrims’ registration processes, new Hajj timelines, security tips, prohibitions in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabian guidelines on travelling with prescription drugs and medications, as well as spiritual guidance against violence, photography and videography while performing Hajj rites,” IHR said.
The organisation also called for comprehensive lessons on pilgrims’ rights, privileges and responsibilities during Hajj, saying this would help pilgrims properly distinguish between what constitutes a right and what is merely a privilege.
IHR further urged the authorities to pay particular attention to Saudi Arabia’s regulations concerning the transportation of prescription and controlled medications.
It noted that pilgrims travelling with such medications should be adequately informed about applicable requirements, including the need to obtain electronic clearance and prior approval through the relevant Saudi authorities where required.
Restriction Against Political Activities
IHR also urged NAHCON, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and tour operators to include clear lessons on Saudi Arabia’s restrictions against the politicisation of Hajj activities and the display of political materials in public spaces.
It therefore advised that intending pilgrims should be adequately sensitised to avoid actions that could violate Saudi laws or regulations.
“States and tour operators should ensure that pilgrims are adequately enlightened that Saudi Arabia maintains strict restrictions on political and sectarian activities at the holy sites during Hajj.
“Political flags, sectarian banners, slogans, chants and other forms of political expression are prohibited at the holy sites. Pilgrims must therefore be made to understand that participation in or display of such materials could attract serious consequences under Saudi regulations,” IHR said.
The organisation stressed that effective pilgrims’ enlightenment should be treated as a core component of Hajj preparation, rather than a routine religious lecture programme.
It urged NAHCON to work with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, religious scholars, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and standardised enlightenment framework ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
IHR said such a framework would ensure that Nigerian pilgrims are not only spiritually prepared for Hajj but are also sufficiently informed about the legal, security, health, administrative and behavioural requirements governing the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
