The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has hosted a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Abuja, as part of early preparations for the 2026 Hajj and Umrah operations.
The delegation was led by Professor Dr. Ghassan Al-Nuaimi and the visit also precedes the first official visit of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah to Nigeria.
During the meeting, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, briefed the Saudi officials on Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the 2026 Hajj. He highlighted key areas of early planning, including airline engagements, accommodation arrangements in Makkah and Madinah, and the timely submission of pilgrims’ data.
Elegushi assured the delegation that NAHCON would strictly comply with Saudi regulations, stressing that no Nigerian pilgrim would be allowed to depart without complete documentation submitted at least 72 hours before departure.
Several operational challenges were discussed at the meeting, including reduced Hajj slots, accommodation constraints, limited airlift capacity, and delays in Umrah visa issuance affecting tour operators. NAHCON formally requested additional Hajj slots to accommodate Nigeria’s growing number of intending pilgrims.
The Saudi delegation emphasized the importance of strict adherence to international Hajj timelines, noting that early preparation is mandatory and that deadline extensions may not be granted. The delegation also highlighted new health and safety requirements, including compliance with updated medical standards for pilgrims.
Speaking at the meeting, the Rector of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, Professor Maitulare, called for formal recognition of the Institute by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He proposed that the Institute be used for training Hajj managers and for disseminating updated Hajj and Umrah policies.
NAHCON also proposed structured training programmes for its staff by stakeholders in the Saudi Hajj and Umrah industry, aimed at improving capacity and enhancing the management of Nigerian pilgrims during Hajj operations.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, with the Saudi delegation pledging continued technical support and engagement through diplomatic channels to ensure a safe, efficient, and successful 2026 Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims. The discussions align with the vision of the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, to strengthen Nigeria’s Hajj operations through early planning and international cooperation.