NAHCON CHAIRMAN MEETS SAUDI DEPUTY MINISTER, REAFFIRMS STRICT HEALTH COMPLIANCE AHEAD OF 2026 HAJJ
The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to full regulatory compliance and operational excellence ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
He gave the assurance during a weekly virtual preparatory meeting with the Deputy Minister of Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in charge of International Collaboration, Dr. Al Hassan Manakhra.
The meeting forms part of sustained coordination efforts between Nigeria and Saudi authorities to ensure seamless arrangements for the 2026 pilgrimage. Key issues discussed included visa processing, pilgrims’ grouping, health certification compliance, flight scheduling, and accommodation synchronization.
Visa Processing Update
During the meeting, it was disclosed that 10,554 visa applications have been uploaded onto the Nusuk Masar system, with 1,734 visas already issued. Both parties emphasized the urgency of concluding visa processing within the remaining 16 days, as the visa portal is scheduled to close on 1st Shawwal.
Ambassador Abba assured Saudi officials that NAHCON would strictly adhere to all stipulated deadlines and would not seek any extensions, stressing that all processes would be completed before the visa system closes.
The Commission further reported that over 70 percent of pilgrim grouping has been completed, while medical approvals for over 10,000 visa applicants have already been uploaded.
Strict Health Compliance Measures
A major highlight of the meeting was a firm warning from the Saudi Ministry regarding full compliance with health requirements for all pilgrims.
Dr. Manakhra announced that random health checks will be conducted at entry points into the Kingdom to verify the authenticity and accuracy of submitted health certificates. Any pilgrim found with a fake or falsified fitness certificate will be returned to Nigeria immediately, while signatories to such certificates will face appropriate sanctions.
Reiterating NAHCON’s zero-tolerance stance on irregularities, Ambassador Abba outlined several safeguards instituted by the Commission, including:
- The use of designated and accredited hospitals for medical screening
- Verification of each health certificate through the issuing doctor’s registration number
- Multiple layers of internal review before final clearance
He further disclosed that, beyond pre-departure screening, additional health checks will be conducted at various departure centres across Nigeria by members of the National Medical Team to ensure that only medically fit pilgrims are airlifted.
The Chairman stressed that NAHCON will not compromise on health standards under any circumstance, noting that safeguarding pilgrims’ welfare and protecting Nigeria’s reputation remain paramount.
Flight and Accommodation Synchronization
The Saudi Ministry also emphasized the need for full alignment between flight schedules and confirmed accommodation arrangements, particularly in Madinah, to prevent logistical challenges experienced in previous years.
Ambassador Abba assured the Ministry that no Nigerian pilgrim would depart without secured accommodation, adding that coordination with Saudi service providers has been strengthened to guarantee seamless operations.
He expressed appreciation to the Saudi Ministry for its continued cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained weekly coordination meetings until the successful completion of all 2026 Hajj preparations.
