Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to conduct themselves responsibly, reminding them that their behaviour will shape Nigeria’s image on the global stage.

Shettima gave the charge on Sunday at the official flag-off of the Hajj airlift at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where the first batch of about 500 pilgrims from Kogi State departed for Saudi Arabia.

Nigeria is expected to have over 50,000 participants in this year’s pilgrimage.

Addressing the pilgrims, the Vice President described the Hajj as not only a spiritual exercise but also a national assignment, stressing that participants must act as worthy ambassadors of the country.

“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry the image and dignity of our nation. Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience and integrity,” he said.

He further cautioned pilgrims to respect the laws and customs of the host country, noting that compliance is essential throughout their stay.

According to him, while the government is committed to ensuring a hitch-free exercise, pilgrims also have a duty to uphold the nation’s values and avoid actions that could tarnish its reputation.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship or anxiety,” he added.

Shettima also reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians both at home and abroad.

In his remarks, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, urged the pilgrims to pray for peace, unity and development in Nigeria.

Similarly, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, represented by Captain Mamud Abdullahi, assured that adequate arrangements had been made to guarantee smooth flight operations.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the commission remains focused on ensuring transparency and seamless coordination of the pilgrimage.

The event signals the commencement of Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj operations, with subsequent flights expected to continue in the coming days.