Ismail Yusuf, NAHCON Chairman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has directed State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to immediately refund intending pilgrims, who could not be registered for the 2026 Hajj due to Saudi Arabia’s visa deadline.
The directive was issued during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the commission’s headquarters, Hajj House, Abuja, where NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strict regulatory oversight in the conduct of the 2026 pilgrimage.
NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, clarified that the reduction in Nigeria’s Hajj quota for 2026 was part of a global adjustment affecting several countries, not a targeted decision.
Nigeria’s allocation for the 2026 Hajj stands at 40,250 pilgrims, excluding tour operators, a significant drop from the 95,000 slots allocated in 2025 and 2024. The 2025 and 2024 quotas were divided into 75,000 slots for states and the Federal Capital Territory, and 20,000 for private operators.
“The reduction is due to logistical capacity considerations and evolving regulatory measures introduced by Saudi authorities,” Yusuf explained.
The commission has fixed a firm visa deadline of first Shawwal, with no indication of an extension, warning that failure to meet the deadline could result in qualified pilgrims missing the pilgrimage.
“To beat the timeline, state boards must conclude medical screenings, documentation, and data uploads within the prescribed operational window to facilitate timely visa issuance,” Yusuf directed.
NAHCON also announced a reduction in the Yellow Card fee from ₦5,000 to ₦2,000 and stricter health requirements, including mandatory medical screenings at government-recognised hospitals.
He added that Port Health Services would directly supervise the issuance and authentication of vaccination certificates, as Saudi Arabia introduces stricter verification protocols, including biometric checks.
Yusuf stated that the commission would deploy monitoring teams to Saudi Arabia to assess service delivery, including feeding, accommodation, sanitation, and overall service delivery.
According to him, states that perform well may receive national recognition, while non-compliance could attract sanctions.
Yusuf directed states to promptly refund pilgrims who won’t be travelling to prevent financial disputes and sustain public confidence in the process.
He emphasised that State Pilgrims Welfare Boards remain the primary custodians of intending pilgrims, while NAHCON’s role is regulatory.