By Mariam Zubair Abubakar
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday, October 16, 2025, held a high-level consultative meeting with state executive secretaries of the pilgrims’ welfare boards to deliberate on key components of the 2026 Hajj and the planned reduction in Hajj fare as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Saleh Usman, emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration between the Commission and the state boards in ensuring a successful 2026 Hajj operation. He assured the states of NAHCON’s readiness to provide all necessary support to ease the process.
The Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Olarenwaju Elegushi, attributed the smooth progress of the 2026 Hajj preparations to the cooperation between the Commission and the states.
He disclosed that NAHCON’s management was recently invited by the Office of the Vice President and directed to review and reduce the 2026 Hajj fare in line with the President’s directive.
“Therefore, NAHCON considered it necessary to involve the states in the process so that the decision will reflect the collective interest of Nigerian pilgrims,” Elegushi said.
He added that the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar was one of the key factors considered in determining the new fare, which will be announced after final clearance from the Vice President’s office. State officials were also given the opportunity to select the service providers they prefer to partner with for the 2026 exercise.
Also speaking, Dr. Saidu, the member representing the Federal Ministry of Health, presented new and stricter medical policies introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Health. He stressed that only healthy and active intending pilgrims would be allowed to perform the pilgrimage, as all must undergo compulsory medical checks and obtain certified health clearance.
He warned that medical certificates would be a prerequisite for visa issuance and must be duly signed by recognized medical practitioners.
Pilgrims with serious health conditions such as organ failure, neurological or psychiatric disorders, age-related dementia, pregnancy, or active cancer will be denied entry into the Kingdom.
Dr. Saidu further advised that state pilgrims should be medically screened and certified fit before payment collection, in line with Saudi health regulations.
On financial matters, the Commissioner for Personnel, Planning, Management, and Finance (PPMF), Alhaji Aliyu Abdulrazaq, briefed the forum on state remittances, camp bookings, and other financial commitments. He urged state boards to intensify sensitization efforts to ensure smooth coordination of the forthcoming Hajj.
In his remarks, Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal advised the state officials to collect copies of the circular containing resolutions of the meeting before departure.
The Chairman of Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar, commended NAHCON’s management and staff for their commitment and hard work toward achieving a successful Hajj operation.