The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stepped up early preparations for the 2026 Hajj, formally appealing to Saudi Arabian authorities for additional pilgrimage slots to accommodate Nigeria’s growing number of intending pilgrims.
The appeal was made on Wednesday in Abuja when the commission hosted a high-powered delegation from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, led by Prof. Ghassan Al-Nuaimi, ahead of the maiden official visit of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah to Nigeria.
Briefing the delegation, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, outlined Nigeria’s level of readiness for the 2026 exercise, stressing that planning had commenced well ahead of schedule. He said arrangements were already ongoing in critical areas such as airline engagements, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, and pre-arrival data submission.
Elegushi underscored the commission’s resolve to comply strictly with Saudi regulations, noting that no pilgrim would be allowed to depart Nigeria without complete documentation submitted at least 72 hours before departure.
Beyond readiness, NAHCON raised pressing operational concerns, including reduced Hajj slots, limited accommodation, airlift constraints and delays in the issuance of Umrah visas, which have continued to affect tour operators.
In response, the commission appealed for an upward review of Nigeria’s Hajj allocation, alongside Saudi intervention on accommodation placement and airline approvals. It also drew attention to recurring visa challenges, a matter the Saudi delegation reportedly agreed to review through the appropriate channels.
The Saudi officials, however, emphasised strict adherence to international Hajj timelines, warning that early preparation was now non-negotiable and that extensions might not be granted. They also highlighted new health and safety requirements, including compliance with updated medical standards for pilgrims.
Earlier this week, NAHCON announced that mandatory medical screening would be conducted for all registered pilgrims before visas are issued. According to the commission, intending pilgrims diagnosed with medical conditions of concern would not be permitted to participate in the 2026 Hajj.
The commission also disclosed measures to address overstay concerns, including biometric data capture and the deployment of a centralised pilgrim tracking system.
Meanwhile, the Rector of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, Prof. Maitulare, urged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to formally recognise the institute. He proposed its adoption as a training hub for Hajj managers and a platform for disseminating new Hajj and Umrah policies.
