From Aljawaaz News Desk, Ibadan—
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has entered a crucial phase of preparations for the 2026 Hajj following a high-level meeting with officials of all State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to harmonize exchange rates, fine-tune cost components, and review new Saudi regulations affecting Nigerian pilgrims and licensed tour operators.
In his opening remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, urged unity and transparency among all state officials, stressing that Nigeria must once again deliver a successful and well-coordinated Hajj operation in 2026. He called on States to take medical screening seriously, as Saudi Arabia now treats it as a top security and health priority.
💰 Exchange Rate and Cost Review
At the meeting, NAHCON disclosed that it is negotiating reductions in some Hajj cost components — particularly cargo handling charges — to cushion the financial burden on pilgrims. However, the Commission clarified that it will not arbitrarily reduce service provider rates, as that could affect the quality of services pilgrims receive.
A strong appeal was also made to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to review the 2% service charge on Hajj remittances. Dr. Adetona Sikiru Adedeji, NAHCON Board Member representing CBN, assured that the Commission’s request will be conveyed to the Bank for possible consideration.
Commissioner of Finance, Aliu AbdulRazak, confirmed that NAHCON will now transfer funds to CBN on a rolling basis as states remit, to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.
⚠️ Slot Reduction: Nigeria Gets 66,910 on NUSUK Masar
In what appears to be a major policy shift, NAHCON revealed that Saudi Arabia has reduced Nigeria’s Hajj slots on the official NUSUK Masar portal to 66,910, out of the total 95,000 initially allocated.
Of this figure, 51,513 slots will go to State pilgrims and officials, while 15,397 slots are reserved for licensed Tour Operators.
Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, explained that the reduction followed underutilization of slots in the previous year. Future allocations, he added, will depend on each state’s performance during the 2025 Hajj.
Chairman of the States’ Forum, Alhaji Idris Almakura, called on all states to take this new limitation seriously, describing it as “a wake-up call to intensify mobilization and early remittances.”
🩺 Saudi Tightens Medical Screening Rules
NAHCON reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s strict new medical regulations for all intending pilgrims. Those with organ failure, psychiatric conditions, active cancer, tuberculosis, dementia, or other communicable diseases will not be allowed entry.
Board Member representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Saidu Dumbulwa, explained that these policies aim to minimize disease spread and prevent mortality among pilgrims.
He recommended that only designated hospitals be authorized to conduct medical screenings, with results certified by the State’s Chief Medical Director to prevent forgery. Medical certificates will be linked directly to visa issuance and verified at Saudi entry points — meaning any false certification could place Nigeria’s entire delegation at risk.
🧳 Standard Luggage Policy and Deadline Reminder
For the first time, Nigeria’s pilgrims will follow the standard international luggage policy — two 23kg checked bags and one hand luggage.
States were reminded that the deadline for all Hajj remittances is December 21, 2025, with each State expected to set internal cut-off dates to ensure full compliance. NAHCON will also embark on nationwide sensitization to raise awareness on the urgency of early payments.
🤝 NAHCON and Saudi Ministry Discuss Tour Operators’ Reforms
In a related development, NAHCON’s Operations Commissioner, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, led a virtual meeting with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on new policy directives for Nigerian licensed Tour Operators.
During the meeting chaired by Abdullah Zarea, Saudi Arabia directed NAHCON to allocate a minimum of 2,000 Hajj slots to each group of licensed operators and ensure their registration on the NUSUK Masar platform with active, NAHCON-approved IBAN payment wallets.
Saudi authorities also requested a list of lead companies representing Nigerian operators to facilitate implementation, while NAHCON raised Umrah-related concerns, which will be discussed further with the designated Saudi department.
🙏 States Commend NAHCON’s Inclusive Approach
The Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Abubakar Salihu, expressed gratitude to NAHCON for involving States in all key decisions, describing the collaboration as “a step towards a more efficient Hajj system.”
Commissioner for Planning, Research, and Information, Professor Abubakar Yagawal, in his closing remarks, commended the synergy between NAHCON and the State Boards, expressing optimism that Hajj 2026 will be one of the most organized in recent years.
📍 From Aljawaaz News Desk
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