In preparation for the 2026 Hajj exercise, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has rolled out a comprehensive set of directives aimed at tightening flight arrangements, medical screening, pilgrim grouping and data submission for all intending pilgrims. The new measures were announced in a press release signed December 4, 2025, by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Ms. Fatima Sanda Usara, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman/CEO.
According to the release, all accredited Hajj carriers and State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards have been directed to issue flight tickets for 2026 Hajj pilgrims well ahead of departure. The aim, NAHCON said, is to ensure every pilgrim is fully aware of his or her exact departure date, time and place — a measure intended to eliminate previous problems of incorrect pre-arrival data sent to Saudi Arabia, which often disrupted allocation of pilgrims’ Nusuk cards and logistics coordination.
A significant and new rule: beginning with the 2026 Hajj, any pilgrim who misses their flight will face serious consequences. Given that each pilgrim’s ticket will be digitally linked to their Nusuk Card — pre-positioned in assigned buses in Saudi Arabia — failure to show up at the scheduled departure will be treated as a “no-show,” and the absentee may be required to pay for the unutilised seat.
NAHCON also introduced a tighter grouping protocol. Once visas are issued, pilgrims will no longer be allowed to change groups — they must remain in the group under which their visa was processed. Groups will consist of 45 pilgrims: members are to travel together, stay together in the same hotels in Makkah, Madinah and Masha’ir, and return to Nigeria together.
Moreover, NAHCON is mandated to upload all relevant pre-departure data on the Nusuk Masar platform at least 72 hours before departure. The data includes group numbers, names of group members, accommodation details, assigned building and bed-space numbers. This systematic data upload is meant to streamline pilgrims’ processing and accommodation allocation, ensuring better coordination in Saudi Arabia.
On the medical front, the Commission reiterated the strict health requirements recently introduced by the authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims must obtain medical fitness certificates from credible, certified hospitals, as only such certificates will be accepted. The list of disqualifying conditions is long and includes major organ failures (heart, liver, kidney and lungs), active cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, severe psychiatric or neurological disorders, senility with dementia, high-risk pregnancies, and active infectious diseases. Pilgrims found to have any of those conditions will be barred from travelling — and if they attempt to travel, they will bear full deportation costs.
NAHCON also reaffirmed the identity of the approved carriers for 2026 Hajj flights: Air Peace, Fly Nas, Max Air and Umza Air. The commission, however, noted that airline allocations remain subject to change, depending on technical and infrastructural reviews.
In its statement, NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Saleh Usman urged all stakeholders — State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, airlines, tour operators, and the prospective pilgrims — to cooperate fully in order to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj process. He emphasized that the success of 2026 Hajj depends on rigorous compliance with the new regulations and unity of purpose across all involved bodies.
The unveiling of these guidelines comes amid other recent developments. For instance, Saudi authorities reduced Nigeria’s Hajj slot quota for 2026, approving 66,910 slots for the country — a sharp drop from previous allocations due to under-utilisation of slots last year. Additionally, NAHCON earlier announced a reduction in the 2026 Hajj fares, aiming to make the pilgrimage more affordable, following directives from the nation’s leadership.
For intending pilgrims, the new regulations — especially the strict medical fitness requirements and penalties for missing flights — underscore the importance of diligent preparation. Medical screenings must be conducted early, travel documentation must be verified, and pilgrimage groupings must be strictly adhered to. Failure on any of these fronts could not only result in exclusion from Hajj but also financial loss or deportation.
As preparations intensify, NAHCON’s new rules reflect a broader effort to ensure safety, organization and compliance with Saudi Arabian regulations — and to safeguard the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims during the sacred 2026 Hajj exercise.
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