CSO Urges NAHCON to Introduce Security Screening for Nigerian Pilgrims Before Hajj Registration

By Jabiru Hassan

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to introduce mandatory pre-registration security screening for intending Nigerian pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the faith-based civil society organisation said the recommendation followed recent security incidents, including the reported arrest of suspected members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The group said stronger screening measures could help prevent individuals wanted by security agencies from exploiting Hajj travel.

IHR proposed that NAHCON and the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards establish dedicated security screening committees to verify the identities and profiles of intending pilgrims after they make the initial Hajj deposit but before final registration.The organisation also recommended the development of a centralised, automated pilgrim registration database with synchronised security checks to identify potential security risks before visa processing.

According to IHR, security screening should remain a priority despite the shortened registration timeline announced for the 2027 Hajj by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. The organisation expressed confidence that NAHCON’s leadership would consider the proposal as part of efforts to strengthen the integrity and security of Nigeria’s Hajj operations.