The Federal Government on Sunday urged Nigerian pilgrims and officials involved in the 2026 Hajj operation to uphold discipline, compassion and a strong sense of national responsibility as the country commenced its inaugural airlift to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Vice President Kashim Shettima described Hajj as both a deeply spiritual journey and a national assignment that must be handled with diligence and care.

He noted that beyond its religious significance, the pilgrimage places a duty on government and stakeholders to ensure the safety, dignity and welfare of every Nigerian pilgrim.

“Hajj is a journey that gathers nations into one congregation. It disciplines the body, humbles the ego, and renews the covenant of faith, sacrifice and submission to Allah,” Shettima said.

According to him, the success of the exercise should not be measured solely by the number of flights conducted, but by the comfort of pilgrims, efficiency of processes and the absence of avoidable hardships.

“We owe every Nigerian pilgrim dignity, safety, order, compassion and honour. The pilgrimage is a personal act of worship, yet it is also a national responsibility,” he added.

The Vice President urged administrators, aviation partners, medical personnel and security agencies to discharge their duties with utmost seriousness, warning that there is no room for negligence where lives and national reputation are at stake.

He further stressed that lessons from previous exercises must translate into improved planning, stronger coordination and higher service standards.

Addressing the pilgrims, Shettima reminded them that they are ambassadors of Nigeria and must reflect the nation’s values in conduct and character.

“You carry with you the image of our nation, the dignity of our people and the values by which we wish to be known. Let your conduct reflect humility, patience and integrity,” he said.

He added that the departure from Abuja symbolises national unity, as pilgrims from diverse backgrounds converge for a common purpose of worship.

The Vice President also conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Tinubu, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to protecting the dignity and welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.

“The success of this Hajj operation is a collective endeavour. Let us work together with sincerity, vigilance and unity of purpose so that this year’s exercise sets a new benchmark for excellence,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, who represented the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, urged pilgrims to uphold discipline, patience and exemplary conduct.

She described the flag-off as both a logistical milestone and a spiritual moment, marking the beginning of a sacred journey for thousands of Nigerians.

Mahmoud said Hajj symbolises faith, sacrifice, unity and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, urging pilgrims to abide by the laws and customs of Saudi Arabia and conduct themselves in ways that project Nigeria positively on the global stage.

She also encouraged them to embrace devotion, humility and peaceful coexistence throughout the pilgrimage.

The minister commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, led by its Chairman, Abba Ismaila Yusuf, alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration, aviation authorities and other stakeholders for ensuring a smooth and coordinated operation.

Earlier, Yusuf disclosed that the inaugural flights conveyed pilgrims from Kogi and Nasarawa states to Medina, marking the beginning of a nationwide airlift.