The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has ordered State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to promptly refund pilgrims who would not be able to participate in this year’s Hajj, following the early closure of data registration by Saudi Arabian authorities.
This position was made known during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters, Hajj House, in Abuja. The meeting brought together Commissioners, Board Members, Executive Secretaries and Chairmen of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, members of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, the Medical Mission team, and management staff.
In a statement, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf who said immediate refunds were necessary to prevent financial disputes and maintain public trust, clarified that the reduction in Hajj quota for this year was a global measure affecting several participating countries and not specifically targeted at Nigeria.
Ambassador Yusuf noted that the adjustment resulted from logistical capacity considerations and evolving regulatory measures introduced by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
According to him, Nigeria’s allocation stands at forty thousand, two hundred and fifty pilgrims, excluding tour operators, while the number of uploaded data reportedly exceeded the approved quota.
Ambassador Yusuf urged state officials to correct public misconceptions suggesting that Nigeria was singled out.
He therefore directed states to urgently reconcile their records and withdraw excess entries to prevent operational bottlenecks.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strict regulatory oversight as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Ambassador Yusuf emphasised that Saudi authorities have fixed a firm visa deadline of 1st Shawwal, with no indication of extension. To beat the deadline, state pilgrims boards were therefore instructed to conclude medical screenings, documentation, and data uploads within the prescribed operational window to ensure timely visa issuance.
The Commission warned against substitution on flight manifests due to integration between airline bookings and accommodation systems.
The Board Member representing the Ministry of Health, Dr Said Dumbulwa briefed stakeholders on strengthened health certification requirements.
Key measures include:
• Screening at government-recognised hospitals only.
• Mandatory inclusion of Medical & Dental Council registration numbers.
• Digital upload of medical certificates for verification.
• Strict adherence to identified disqualifying medical conditions.
He reemphasised that Private Hospitals are not permitted to conduct Hajj certification. NAHCON also announced plans to establish a dedicated coordination platform to streamline medical processes nationwide.
In a major relief for intending pilgrims, the new Chairman announced that the Yellow Card fee has been reduced from five thousand Naira to two thousand Naira for the 2026 Hajj exercise following engagement with relevant health authorities.
It was disclosed that Port Health Services will directly supervise the issuance and authentication of vaccination certificates, as Saudi authorities are introducing stricter verification protocols, including biometric checks.
NAHCON announced strict monitoring of airline performance during Hajj operations. Underperformance may attract reassignment of pilgrims to better-performing carriers.
States were also advised to promptly refund pilgrims who will not travel to prevent financial disputes and maintain public trust.
The Commission disclosed plans to deploy monitoring teams to Saudi Arabia to assess feeding, accommodation, sanitation, and overall service delivery. Best-performing states may receive national recognition, while non-compliance will attract sanctions.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman Ambassador Yusuf reaffirmed that State Pilgrims Welfare Boards remain the primary custodians of pilgrims, while NAHCON’s role remains regulatory.
He emphasised unity, professionalism, and collective responsibility in ensuring a successful Hajj operation.
Reporting By Taoreed Abdullahi