The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has clarified concerns surrounding the adjustment of Hajj slots for the 2026 pilgrimage, compulsory medical screening, visa processing, and ongoing operational reforms, following a strategic engagement with licensed tour operators.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, made the clarification during a stakeholders’ meeting as part of his ongoing familiarisation engagements with key players in the Hajj and Umrah sector.
He reaffirmed that NAHCON operates strictly as a regulatory body responsible for licensing, supervising, and ensuring compliance within the industry, adding that the Commission would intensify monitoring and enforce sanctions against operators who violate established guidelines.
Abba emphasised that the recent adjustment in additional Hajj slots was a global allocation decision made by Saudi Hajj authorities and not a unilateral action by the Commission.
He explained that national quotas are determined solely by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based on operational capacity and safety considerations, stressing that NAHCON does not have the authority to independently increase or alter Nigeria’s approved quota.
The Commission therefore urged stakeholders and the public to disregard misinformation suggesting internal manipulation or discriminatory allocation, noting that Nigeria’s officially approved quota remains intact and is being distributed fairly within the approved framework.
NAHCON also addressed concerns raised by tour operators who reported financial implications arising from advance contractual commitments, advising affected operators to submit formal representations supported by relevant documentation for review.
The Commission assured that genuine cases would be examined through appropriate regulatory and diplomatic channels where necessary.
On medical requirements, the Head of NAHCON’s Medical Team, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, stated that compulsory medical screening certificates are directly tied to visa issuance requirements.
He disclosed that the Commission has restricted medical certification to recognised government hospitals to ensure credibility and prevent falsification of medical records. Each medical certificate, he said, must include proper physician identification and registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to guarantee authenticity.
NAHCON warned that submission of false or unreliable medical information would attract serious consequences, noting that the screening requirement aligns with Saudi visa processing timelines and is necessary to prevent delays.
Addressing visa processing arrangements, the Commission explained that the current system was inherited and has since been reviewed to address operational challenges, including cases of absconding pilgrims.
NAHCON acknowledged that ongoing reform efforts aimed at improving transparency and accountability have faced resistance from certain interests but reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a more structured and transparent process.
The Commission stressed the need for cooperation, sincerity, and professionalism among stakeholders, adding that compliant operators would be recognised, while regulatory breaches would attract appropriate sanctions.
Abba also directed the Commission’s Media Unit to strengthen proactive communication and ensure timely dissemination of accurate information to pilgrims and operators.
NAHCON further announced plans to convene a comprehensive consultative meeting after the Hajj exercise to address broader issues concerning Umrah operations, service providers, and financial concerns raised by tour operators.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency, equitable slot distribution, and effective regulatory enforcement, assuring stakeholders that its priority remains the successful and efficient conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise for Nigerian pilgrims.