The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reaffirmed its regulatory mandate and unveiled key policy adjustments aimed at ensuring a smooth and transparent 2026 Hajj operation.
The resolutions followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters, Hajj House, in Abuja. In attendance were Commissioners, Board Members, Chairmen and Executive Secretaries of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, members of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, the National Medical Mission team, and senior management staff.
Addressing participants, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, dismissed claims that Nigeria was deliberately targeted in the 2026 Hajj quota adjustment. He explained that the reduction is a global development affecting several Hajj-participating nations due to logistical capacity and evolving regulatory frameworks introduced by Saudi authorities.
He urged state officials to correct public misconceptions and provide accurate information to intending pilgrims.
According to the Chairman, Nigeria has been allocated 40,250 pilgrim slots for 2026, excluding Tour Operators.
However, uploaded data from states reportedly exceeded the approved figure. He directed immediate reconciliation and withdrawal of excess entries to prevent operational bottlenecks.
On visa processing,
NAHCON disclosed that Saudi authorities have fixed 1st Shawwal as the final deadline, with no signal of extension. State Boards were consequently instructed to complete medical screenings, documentation, and data uploads within the operational timeline to secure timely visa issuance.
The Commission also warned against substitution of names on flight manifests, citing the integration between airline booking systems and accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia.
Strengthening health compliance, Board Member representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Said Dumbulwa, outlined new certification requirements.
He stated that screening must be conducted only at government-recognized hospitals, with mandatory inclusion of Medical and Dental Council registration numbers and digital upload of certificates for verification. He reiterated that private hospitals are not authorized to conduct Hajj medical certification.
In a development expected to ease financial pressure on pilgrims, the Chairman announced a reduction of the Yellow Card fee from ₦5,000 to ₦2,000 following consultations with relevant health authorities. Port Health Services, he added, will directly supervise vaccination certification, as Saudi Arabia is introducing stricter verification measures, including biometric authentication.
NAHCON further disclosed that airline performance during the Hajj airlift will be closely monitored, warning that underperforming carriers risk reassignment of pilgrims to more efficient operators.
States were advised to promptly refund non-travelling pilgrims to forestall financial disputes and preserve public confidence.
To enhance service delivery, the Commission plans to deploy monitoring teams to Saudi Arabia to evaluate feeding, accommodation, sanitation, and overall welfare services. Outstanding states may receive national recognition, while cases of non-compliance could attract sanctions.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Yusuf reaffirmed that State Pilgrims Welfare Boards remain the primary custodians of pilgrims, while NAHCON retains its statutory role as regulator, calling for unity, professionalism, and shared responsibility in delivering a successful 2026 Hajj exercise.