The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has commended Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for promoting religious harmony and supporting Muslim pilgrims from the state, describing the state as a model of peaceful coexistence.

The commendation was made on Thursday when a delegation of NAHCON, led by Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq, Commissioner PPMF, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor in Calabar as part of a nationwide sensitisation tour ahead of the 2027 Hajj operation.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tolerance, inclusiveness and support for the Muslim community.

“From the very beginning, Cross River State has been known for its culture of tolerance and acceptance. Welcoming and accommodating people from different backgrounds is part of who we are because Cross River is a cosmopolitan State,” he said.

“We are all the same people. We are all Nigerians and human beings. Therefore, what is good for you is good for us,” the Governor stated, adding that the administration had consistently provided resources and opportunities for engagement with the Muslim community and would sustain the gesture.

Otu stressed the need to promote religious harmony nationwide, noting that Christians live peacefully in several northern states and the same should apply to Muslims in Cross River.
“If Christians can live peacefully in the northern part of the country, Muslims should also be able to live peacefully here in Cross River State. We are one Nigeria,” he said.

The Governor also assured that the state government would comply with the new Hajj procurement requirements and work towards meeting the September 26, 2026 deadline for intending pilgrims, while requesting NAHCON to forward the guidelines officially in writing.

NAHCON Commissioner, Prince Abdulrazaq, said Cross River was prioritized in the sensitisation tour because of its “cordial relationship with the Muslim community.”

“Cross River is one of the first States which we are proud of. I have never heard of any issue of fighting between Muslims and Christians here. I really appreciate the governor for that,” he said.

Alhaji Amin Ukoha, Zonal Coordinator, South-South/South-East NAHCON, also praised Governor Otu for supporting Muslim pilgrims, noting that such assistance was uncommon among governors in the South-South region.

Ukoha explained that the 2027 Hajj will operate under a 50-50 arrangement — 50 per cent government component and 50 per cent tour operator category. From 2028, Hajj will run fully under a tour-operation-based system.

He announced September 26, 2026 as the deadline for intending pilgrims to pay fares and complete data capture on the Lusuk Masar platform, warning that failure to meet the deadline could disqualify applicants for the 2027 pilgrimage.

Commissioners representing South-South and South-East, Hajia Zanab Musa and Hajia Aisha Obi, lauded the Governor’s “openness, freedom and participatory disposition” in accommodating and supporting the welfare of Muslims in the state, and prayed for God’s protection and wisdom for his administration.

Chairman, Cross River State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Kabeer Olowolayemo, said the NAHCON delegation was in the state to sensitize the Muslim community on the new Hajj rules and to appreciate the Governor for his unwavering support.

The delegation also visited the Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Apostle Frank Umo, who reassured them of the mutual coexistence of all citizens in Cross River State.

Governor Otu said peace remained a collective responsibility and pledged that his administration would continue to support the Muslim community and recognize its contributions to the development of Cross River.