…Cites Saudi Arabia’s strict ban on political activities in holy sites.

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed tour operators to redesign their pilgrims’ enlightenment programmes ahead of the 2027 Hajj to reflect new realities and Saudi regulations.

In a statement issued on Friday by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, IHR said enlightenment must move beyond spiritual lectures on Hajj rites to include practical, legal and health information that will ensure a safe and orderly pilgrimage for Nigerians.

The Civil Society Group (CSO) called on NAHCON to develop and make compulsory a standardised pilgrims’ enlightenment curriculum for all states and tour operators.

According to IHR, the proposed curriculum should include registration procedures and updated Hajj timelines, travel and security guidelines, Saudi laws on prohibited activities and rules on carrying prescription and controlled medications, including the need for electronic clearance and prior approval from Saudi authorities.

Others include pilgrims’ rights, privileges and responsibilities to help them distinguish between what is a right and what is a privilege, appropriate conduct during Hajj rites, including warnings against violence, photography and videography where restricted.

According to the body, pilgrims’ enlightenment goeducation goes beyond spiritual tutoring about Hajj rites and religious rituals as they are being taught at present,” IHR stated.

“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”, it stated.

IHR also stressed the need to educate pilgrims on Saudi Arabia’s strict ban on political and sectarian activities at the holy sites.

The group said states and operators must warn intending pilgrims that political flags, sectarian banners, slogans, chants and other forms of political expression are prohibited and could attract serious penalties under Saudi law.

“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,” the statement read.

IHR described effective enlightenment as a core component of Hajj preparation, not just a routine religious lecture.

It urged NAHCON to work with state boards, tour operators, religious scholars, security agencies and other stakeholders to build a comprehensive and standardised framework before 2027.

The organisation said such a framework will ensure Nigerian pilgrims are not only spiritually ready but also fully aware of the legal, health, security, administrative and behavioural requirements governing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

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