The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the timelines set by Saudi authorities for the 2026 Hajj, stressing that there will be no deadline extensions for visa processing, payments, or contractual agreements.
This warning was issued during a post-Hajj stakeholders’ meeting with licensed tour operators on Thursday at the Hajj House, Abuja. The session was chaired by NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside Commissioners Prince Anofiu Elegushi (Operations), Prince Aliu AbdulRazaq (PPMF), and Professor Abubakar Yagawal (PRSILS).
Professor Usman commended state pilgrims’ boards, private operators, and service providers for their roles in the success of the 2025 Hajj, while also acknowledging the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to transparency and collaboration but warned that strict compliance would be expected in 2026.
“The Saudis have made it very clear — the dates on their calendar will not be extended by even a minute,” Commissioner Elegushi stressed, reminding participants of missed deadlines in 2025 that cost many operators their slots.
On financial matters, Commissioner AbdulRazaq urged operators to make timely payments, while Professor Yagawal called for early preparations to improve the pilgrims’ experience.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from Director of Inspectorate and Compliance, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, who described the gathering as one of NAHCON’s most productive engagements with operators.
