Report by Shafii Sani Mohammmed & Abdul Abba. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) hosted a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, led by Professor Dr. Ghassan Al-Nuaimi, in Abuja as part of early preparations for the 2026 Hajj and Umrah operations and ahead of the first official visit of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah to Nigeria.
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At the meeting, NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, briefed the delegation on Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj preparedness, including early planning, airline engagements, accommodation arrangements in Makkah and Madinah, and pre-arrival data submission. He emphasized that no pilgrim will depart Nigeria without complete documentation submitted at least 72 hours before departure, in line with Saudi regulations.
Key operational challenges discussed included reduced Hajj slots, accommodation constraints, airlift limitations, and Umrah visa delays affecting tour operators. NAHCON requested additional Hajj slots and Saudi intervention on accommodation allocation and airline approvals, while also raising concerns over recurring visa challenges, which the Saudi delegation agreed to review through appropriate channels.
The Saudi delegation stressed strict adherence to international Hajj timelines, noting that early preparation is mandatory and extensions may not be granted. New health and safety requirements, including compliance with updated medical standards for pilgrims, were also highlighted.
NAHCON outlined measures to address overstay concerns, including biometric data capture and a centralized pilgrim tracking system.
The Rector of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, Professor Maitulare, called for recognition of the Institute by the Saudi Ministry, proposing its use for training Hajj managers and disseminating new Hajj and Umrah policies. NAHCON also proposed structured training of staff by the Saudi Hajj and Umrah industry to enhance capacity in managing Hujjaj during Hajj.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained cooperation, with the Saudi delegation pledging continued technical support and engagement through diplomatic channels to ensure a safe, efficient, and successful 2026 Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims, in line with the vision of NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.