The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the timelines set by the Saudi Arabian authorities for the 2026 Hajj operations, warning that there will be no extensions for visa processing, payments, or contractual agreements.
This was the key message delivered during the post-Hajj stakeholders’ meeting with Licensed Tour Operator Companies held today at the Hajj House, Abuja. The meeting was presided over by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, together with the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, and the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF), Prince Aliu AbdulRazaq.
In his remarks, Professor Usman expressed gratitude to the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, private tour operators, and service providers for their vital contributions to the success of the 2025 Hajj operations. He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which ensured that Nigerian pilgrims performed Hajj with dignity, comfort, and peace of mind.
“The Commission is committed to collaboration, fairness, and transparency,” Professor Usman stated. “At the same time, we expect total compliance from all stakeholders as we work together to improve service delivery and align with global best practices.”
Speaking on operational guidelines for the 2026 Hajj, Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, issued a firm warning to stakeholders to strictly observe the official Saudi Hajj calendar and begin preparations early.
“The Saudis have made it very clear — their calendar dates will not be extended by even a minute,” Prince Elegushi emphasized. “Gone are the days when you could appeal for extra weeks to process visas. For 2026, once the portal closes, it closes.”
He recalled the 2025 experience, where many assumed Saudi authorities would grant extensions but missed deadlines, ultimately losing participation slots. Prince Elegushi also reflected on the challenges faced during Arafat 2025, describing them as a valuable lesson for future planning.
“What happened in 2025 has given us direction,” he said. “We must learn, plan better, and work faster. The Saudi system has changed, and we must adapt quickly.”
On financial matters, Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF), Prince Aliu AbdulRazaq, briefed participants on refunds, pending complaints, and payment processes. He urged tour operators to ensure timely payments for all Hajj-related commitments, reiterating that Saudi authorities would not allow any extensions for contracts or visa processing in 2026.
Similarly, Commissioner of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, commended tour operators for their conduct during the 2025 Hajj and encouraged continued cooperation with the Commission to ensure early preparations and a smoother 2026 Hajj experience.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, who described the engagement as one of the most productive between NAHCON management and licensed tour operators in recent times. He praised the Commission’s leadership for approving and coordinating the session.
