Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged intending Muslim pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to uphold national values and serve as positive ambassadors of Nigeria during their spiritual journey.

He gave the charge on Sunday while officially flagging off the 2026 Hajj airlift at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to safety, coordination, and pilgrim welfare.

According to him, pilgrims represent Nigeria on a global stage and must reflect discipline, humility, patience, and integrity in line with the expectations of both Nigeria and the host country.

“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people,” the Vice President said, adding that pilgrimage is a covenant between the state and its citizens, requiring mutual responsibility.

He explained that while Hajj is a spiritual obligation, it also reflects the strength and credibility of national institutions, stressing that government agencies must ensure a smooth and dignified experience for all pilgrims.

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

The Vice President also reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, describing governance as a covenant anchored on service and accountability.

He charged Hajj administrators, aviation operators, medical teams, and security agencies to maintain high standards of coordination, noting that success will be measured by pilgrims’ comfort and orderly operations rather than just flight numbers.

Earlier, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo described the Hajj exercise as a rare privilege and urged pilgrims to devote themselves to prayers for Nigeria’s peace and development.

He also called for prayers for President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in their efforts to drive national reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support in ensuring smooth coordination of the exercise, while reaffirming the FCT’s commitment to pilgrim welfare.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, represented by Captain Mamud Abdullahi, assured that the aviation sector is working with relevant agencies to guarantee safety and comfort for all pilgrims.

In his remarks, the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the commission is undergoing reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and pilgrims’ welfare under the current administration.

The 2026 inaugural flight airlifted about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State, with a total of about 50,000 pilgrims expected to participate in this year’s Hajj exercise.