Abuja will host the Hajj–Umrah Nigeria Expo 2026, promoting pilgrim welfare, investment, and innovation in Nigeria’s faith-based tourism sector
Abuja is set to host the Hajj–Umrah Nigeria Expo 2026, an international event aimed at improving pilgrimage planning and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for faith-based tourism.
Scheduled for 28–30 January 2026 at the National Mosque Conference Hall, the expo will feature a Gala and Awards Night at the Nicon Luxury Hotel.
Organised by the Global Business and Investment Partnerships Forum (GBIPF), the event will bring together government agencies, private operators, investors, scholars, and intending pilgrims.
Themed “Enhancing the Pilgrimage Experience through Knowledge, Access, Community,” the expo will address governance, service delivery, investment, and innovation across the Hajj and Umrah value chain.
“This is the first comprehensive Hajj–Umrah-focused expo in Nigeria and West Africa,” said Dr. Aisha Ahmed-Shitu, Chief Organiser. “It is designed to strengthen pilgrim welfare, deepen institutional coordination, attract investment, and boost public-private collaboration.”
Key goals include improving pilgrims’ safety and welfare, promoting Shariah-compliant finance, and opening business opportunities in aviation, hospitality, healthcare, ICT, logistics, and tourism.
Organisers also aim to strengthen Nigeria’s religious diplomacy, particularly with Saudi Arabia, while supporting foreign exchange inflows and job creation.
The event will feature a large exhibition and trade fair, as well as conference sessions and panel discussions on topics such as:
- Strengthening Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah governance
- Public-private partnerships and long-term sustainability
- Aviation and airlift logistics
- Pilgrim healthcare, safety, and welfare
- Digital solutions for pilgrimage services
- Structured Hajj savings schemes and financial inclusion
- Women and youth participation in the value chain
A gala and awards ceremony will recognise excellence and innovation in the Hajj–Umrah ecosystem, with awards including Outstanding Hajj and Umrah Operator, Excellence in Pilgrim Welfare, and Innovation in Pilgrimage Services.
Expected participants include federal and state MDAs, NAHCON, the Saudi Embassy, airlines, licensed tour operators, financial institutions, healthcare providers, ICT and logistics firms, religious leaders, and international delegations from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia, and West Africa.
Organisers anticipate over 2,000 physical attendees, with 10,000+ digital and media reach, positioning the expo as a long-term platform for reforms, better pilgrim welfare, and investment-driven growth in Nigeria’s pilgrimage administration.
Business3 years ago
