News
2026 Hajj: IHR Identifies Gaps in Mina, Arafat Services, Calls for Reforms
By Jabiru Hassan
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) Media Monitoring Team has identified significant gaps between the expectations of Nigerian pilgrims and the services provided during the 2026 Hajj operations in Mina and Arafat.
The observations were contained in the team’s assessment report covering feeding services, pilgrims’ welfare, official presence, orientation programmes and Hadaya (animal sacrifice) arrangements.
On feeding services in Mina, the monitoring team observed that meal distribution was not adequately coordinated. While some camps received meals on time, others experienced considerable delays.
The report noted that although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some instances fell below acceptable standards.
Consequently, the IHR called for refunds to be made to states where meal supplies were either not delivered or where the quality of food provided failed to meet approved standards for pilgrims.
Regarding pilgrims’ welfare and official presence, the team observed a shortage of officials in some state pilgrims’ tents, with many officials reportedly unavailable during visits by the monitoring team.
The report further noted that while some state officials wore their designated uniforms, others were dressed in ihram, making it difficult for pilgrims to identify and approach them for assistance.
However, the team commended staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for their commitment throughout the exercise.
According to the report, NAHCON personnel were visible across the Nigerian pilgrims’ camp in Mina, attending to pilgrims and assisting with meal distribution while wearing official uniforms.
On the conduct of pilgrims and religious orientation, the monitoring team based its findings on observations from randomly selected tents in Mina.
The team recommended that NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards introduce mandatory lectures on discipline, moral values and expected religious conduct before pilgrims proceed to Mina.
It noted that such orientation programmes would strengthen adherence to the spiritual objectives of Hajj and promote better conduct among pilgrims.
On Hadaya, the IHR Media Monitoring Team expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency in the conduct of animal sacrifice for Nigerian pilgrims.
The report stated that there appeared to be no clear regulatory framework governing the collection of payments and implementation of the exercise, leaving many pilgrims vulnerable to possible exploitation.
While some states successfully conducted the Hadaya exercise and established committees to supervise its implementation, the team observed that others collected payments from pilgrims without providing verifiable evidence that the sacrifices were carried out.
The IHR therefore urged NAHCON, in its oversight capacity, to develop and enforce a standard framework for the collection of payments and implementation of Hadaya during future Hajj operations.
According to the team, such measures would enhance transparency, accountability and public confidence in the process.
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The Ibeno Clan Council has commended the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for a recent security operation in Ibeno Local Government Area, describing the recovery of a firearm and suspected illicit drugs as a positive step toward improving security in coastal communities.
In a statement, the Secretary of the Ibeno Clan Council, Chief Okon Udofia, praised the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, and officers of the command for their efforts to combat crime and protect residents.Udofia said the council welcomed the operation amid concerns about criminal activities in parts of the area.
He noted that some community members had linked a suspect under investigation to alleged criminal incidents in Ibeno and neighbouring communities, but stressed that such allegations should be thoroughly investigated by law enforcement agencies. “The recent recovery of a firearm and suspected hard drugs demonstrates the commitment of the police to tackling criminal activities and ensuring public safety,” he said.
The council urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing investigations. Udofia also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to working with security agencies and other stakeholders to promote peace and security in Ibeno.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had earlier announced the recovery of a locally made pistol, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, and other suspected illicit drugs during an intelligence-led operation in the area. Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals connected to the recovered exhibits.
By Jabiru Hassan
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has granted site access to Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) to begin construction of two 330kV bays at the Kainji Transmission Substation in Niger State.The site handover, conducted on June 5, 2026, marks the commencement of the Kainji Switchyard Units 1G3 and 1G4 Bays Project, which will support the evacuation of additional power from the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Plant into the national grid.
According to TCN, the project includes civil, electrical, and mechanical works, as well as testing and commissioning activities.When completed, the new infrastructure will enable the evacuation of up to 220 megawatts of electricity from two additional turbines—Units 1G3 and 1G4—each expected to generate 110MW.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, TCN’s General Manager, Materials Control and Stores, and Chairman of the Project Technical Committee, Engr. Abdulkadir Gwaram Adamu, described the project as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen power transmission capacity. He said the project would enhance the integration of additional electricity generation into the national grid and commended MESL for its collaboration and investment. According to TCN, the project is being fully funded by MESL at no cost to the transmission company.
In his remarks, MESL’s Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Cleber Romao Grisi, thanked TCN for granting site access and assured stakeholders that the project would be completed within the agreed timeline.TCN said the project is expected to be completed by December 2026. Other officials present at the handover included representatives from TCN’s business development, transmission, and system operations departments.
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), says quality education, civic participation, and community cooperation with security agencies are critical to tackling banditry, terrorism, and other security challenges in Nigeria.
Musa spoke on Sunday at the commissioning of Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Bulus, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The faith-based school was donated to the Kaduna Christian community by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and his associates.
Describing the academy as a “strategic non-kinetic intervention,” the minister said lasting security depends on defeating ignorance and hopelessness through education and social development.
He commended the DSS for supporting community development in addition to its security responsibilities and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information. Musa also called on parents to prioritise education, arguing that insecurity thrives where opportunities are lacking and that investment in schools can help prevent the recruitment of youths into criminal networks.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), described the academy as “a light intended to shine across generations” and said education is a right that should be available to every child regardless of background.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, commended the initiative and said the state government remains committed to expanding access to quality education.The governor’s representative said collaboration among government, communities, faith-based organisations, and private institutions is necessary to improve educational opportunities across the state.The ceremony was attended by religious leaders, community members, and representatives of various church denominations.
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