Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj quota fixed at 40,250, NAHCON clarifies

Chairman outlines reduced 40,250 pilgrim allocation, firm visa deadlines and tighter health, airlift and service monitoring measures for 2026 exercise

By Abdulbasit Abba

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strict regulatory oversight as preparations gather momentum for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

This assurance was given during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters, Hajj House, in Abuja. The meeting brought together Commissioners, Board Members, Executive Secretaries and Chairmen of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, members of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, the Medical Mission team, and management staff.

The newly appointed NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf, clarified that the reduction in Hajj quota for 2026 is a global development affecting several participating countries and not specifically targeted at Nigeria. According to him, the adjustment stems from logistical capacity considerations and evolving regulatory measures introduced by Saudi authorities. He urged state officials to address public misconceptions suggesting that Nigeria was singled out.

Ambassador Yusuf announced that Nigeria’s allocation for the 2026 Hajj stands at 40,250 pilgrims, excluding Tour Operators. However, he revealed that uploaded data had exceeded the approved figure and directed states to urgently reconcile their records and withdraw excess entries to prevent operational bottlenecks.

NAHCON further disclosed that Saudi authorities have fixed 1st Shawwal as the firm visa deadline, with no indication of an extension. To meet this timeline, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards were instructed to conclude medical screenings, documentation, and data uploads within the approved operational window to ensure timely visa issuance.

The Commission also cautioned against substitutions on flight manifests, noting the integration between airline bookings and accommodation systems, which makes last-minute changes problematic.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Health on the Board, Dr. Said Dumbulwa briefed stakeholders on strengthened health certification requirements. The new measures include screening strictly at government-recognized hospitals, mandatory inclusion of Medical and Dental Council registration numbers on certificates, digital upload of medical records for verification, and strict compliance with identified disqualifying medical conditions.

He emphasized that private hospitals are not authorized to conduct Hajj medical certification. NAHCON also announced plans to establish a dedicated coordination platform to streamline medical processes nationwide.

In a move to ease financial burden on intending pilgrims, the Chairman announced a reduction in the Yellow Card fee from ₦5,000 to ₦2,000 for the 2026 Hajj exercise, following engagements with relevant health authorities. It was also disclosed that Port Health Services will directly supervise the issuance and authentication of vaccination certificates, as Saudi authorities are introducing stricter verification protocols, including biometric checks.

On airlift operations, NAHCON declared that airline performance will be closely monitored throughout the Hajj period. Underperforming carriers may face reassignment of pilgrims to better-performing airlines to ensure efficiency and comfort.

State boards were equally advised to promptly refund pilgrims who may not travel, in order to prevent financial disputes and sustain public confidence.

Additionally, the Commission announced plans to deploy monitoring teams to Saudi Arabia to assess feeding arrangements, accommodation standards, sanitation, and overall service delivery. Outstanding states may receive national recognition, while non-compliance could attract sanctions.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Yusuf reiterated that State Pilgrims Welfare Boards remain the primary custodians of pilgrims, while NAHCON’s mandate remains regulatory. He called for unity, professionalism, and collective responsibility to ensure a seamless and successful 2026 Hajj operation.

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