NAHCON Uploads 10,554 Visas, Vows to Meet Saudi Deadline for 2026 Hajj
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NAHCON Uploads 10,554 Visas, Vows to Meet Saudi Deadline for 2026 Hajj
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Ambassador Ismaila Abba Yusuf, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to full regulatory compliance and operational excellence as preparations intensify for the 2026 Hajj.
Abba gave the assurance during a virtual weekly preparatory meeting with the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah in charge of International Collaboration, Dr Al Hassan Manakhra, under the framework of sustained engagement with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
According to a statement made available on Tuesday, the meeting reviewed key components of the Hajj operation, including visa processing, pilgrims’ grouping, health certification compliance, flight scheduling and accommodation synchronisation.
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NAHCON disclosed that 10,554 visa applications have been uploaded into the Nusuk Masar system, out of which 1,734 visas have been issued.
The commission noted that visa processing is expected to be concluded within 16 days, as the portal will close on 1st Shawwal.
Abba assured the Saudi authorities that NAHCON would meet all stipulated deadlines.
“We will strictly adhere to all timelines and ensure that all processes are concluded before the visa system closes,” he said.
The commission added that over 70 per cent of pilgrim grouping had been completed, while medical approvals for more than 10,000 pilgrims had been uploaded.
A major highlight of the meeting was a warning by the Saudi Ministry on strict compliance with health requirements.
Manakhra announced that random health checks would be conducted at entry points into the Kingdom to verify the authenticity of health certificates submitted by pilgrims.
He warned that any pilgrim found with a fake or falsified fitness certificate would be returned to Nigeria immediately, while signatories to such certificates would be sanctioned accordingly.
Responding, the NAHCON chairman reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on irregularities.
He disclosed that safeguards put in place include the use of designated and accredited hospitals for screening, verification of certificates through doctors’ registration numbers and multiple layers of internal review before final clearance.
Abba further stated that, in addition to pre-departure screening, health checks would be conducted at various departure centres across the country by members of the National Medical Team to ensure that only medically fit pilgrims are airlifted.
“We will not compromise on health standards under any circumstance. Safeguarding our pilgrims and protecting Nigeria’s reputation remain paramount,” he said.
The Saudi Ministry also stressed the need for full alignment between flight schedules and confirmed accommodation, particularly in Madinah, to prevent logistical challenges recorded in previous years.
Abba assured that no pilgrim would depart Nigeria without secured accommodation, noting that coordination with Saudi service providers had been strengthened to ensure seamless operations.
He expressed appreciation to the Saudi Ministry for its cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained weekly coordination meetings until the successful completion of preparations for the 2026 Hajj.
