The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Amb. Ismaila Abba, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to full regulatory compliance and operational excellence in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by NAHCON’s Principal Information Officer, Shafii Sani.
Sani said Abba reaffirmed the commitment during a weekly virtual preparatory meeting with the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah in charge of International Collaboration, Dr Al Hassan Manakhra.
He explained that the weekly meetings form part of sustained coordination efforts to ensure seamless arrangements for the 2026 Hajj.
Key discussions: Visas, grouping, health, flights
Discussions focused on visa processing, pilgrims’ grouping, health certification compliance, flight scheduling, and accommodation synchronization.
It was disclosed that 10,554 visa applications have been uploaded into the Nusuk Masar system, with 1,734 visas already issued.
The meeting also addressed the need to conclude visa processing within 16 days, as the process ends on the 1st day of Shawwal.
“The NAHCON boss assured the Saudi ministry that the commission would strictly adhere to all stipulated deadlines and complete all processes before the visa system closes,” Sani said.
Over 70% Pilgrim grouping completed
The commission reported that over 70 per cent of pilgrim grouping has been completed, while medical approvals for visas of more than 10,000 pilgrims have been uploaded.
A major highlight was a firm warning from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on the need for full compliance with health requirements by all pilgrims.
Abba assured the Saudi side that no pilgrim would depart Nigeria without secured accommodation, noting that coordination with Saudi service providers has been strengthened.
He expressed appreciation for Saudi cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained weekly coordination meetings until all 2026 Hajj preparations are successfully completed.
Saudi warns of random health checks, immediate deportation
Meanwhile, Dr Manakhra said random health checks would be conducted at entry points into the Kingdom to verify the authenticity and accuracy of submitted health certificates.
He warned that any pilgrim found with a fake or falsified fitness certificate would be returned to Nigeria immediately, while the signatories of the certificate would face sanctions.
The Saudi deputy minister also stressed the need for full alignment between flight schedules and confirmed accommodation, particularly in Madinah, to avoid logistical challenges experienced in previous years.
