From Maryam Ahmadu-Suka, Kaduna
Nigeria is set to host the Hajj–Umrah Nigerian Expo 2026, a landmark international gathering aimed at transforming the country’s pilgrimage ecosystem and positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for faith-based tourism and pilgrimage management.
According to the organizers, the event is the first comprehensive Hajj–Umrah-focused expo in Nigeria and West Africa, designed to improve pilgrim welfare, strengthen institutional coordination, attract investment, and deepen public–private collaboration within the sector.
Scheduled to hold from 28th to 30th January 2026, the Expo is being organized by the Global Business and Investment Partnerships Forum (GBIPF), Nigeria with the theme, “Pilgrimage, Partnership, Prosperity.”
Aisha Ahmed, one of the organisers said the Expo will convene government institutions, private-sector operators, international partners, investors, scholars, and pilgrims to address governance, service delivery, investment, and innovation across the Hajj and Umrah value chain.
According to her, “The key objectives of the expo are improving pilgrim experience and safety, supporting policy and regulatory dialogue, promoting Shariah-compliant financial solutions, and unlocking economic opportunities in aviation, hospitality, healthcare, ICT, logistics, and tourism services.”
She noted that the event is expected to play a strategic role in enhancing Nigeria’s religious diplomacy, strengthening bilateral relations—particularly with Saudi Arabia—and expanding foreign exchange inflows and employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Highlights of the expo will include a large-scale exhibition and trade fair featuring licensed Hajj and Umrah operators, airlines, hotels, banks, fintechs, insurers, healthcare providers, ICT firms, and logistics companies as well as high-level conference sessions and panel discussions focusing on strengthening Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah governance framework.
