The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has finalised preparations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a seamless 2026 Hajj exercise for Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON sealed the necessary arrangements with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah during the just-concluded second pre-Hajj visit to the Kingdom, marking a major milestone ahead of the pilgrimage.

The 15-day all-inclusive engagement, led by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, focused on consolidating operational arrangements and strengthening coordination with Saudi authorities for smooth operations during Hajj.

NAHCON has concluded engagements with service providers and stakeholders, particularly regarding timelines and standards based on the rules set by Saudi authorities, ahead of the 2026 Hajj.

In a release issued by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant (Media) to the NAHCON Chairman, it was stated that Nigeria also concluded coordination with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed tour operators to reinforce compliance with agreed timelines, guidelines, service standards, and regulatory requirements ahead of the 2026 Hajj.

“During the visit, the NAHCON delegation held high-level engagements with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Ministry of Health, Masha’ir, feeding and accommodation service providers, airlines, and Nigerian stakeholders in the Kingdom.

“These engagements resulted in progress on airlift coordination, accommodation and feeding arrangements, Mashāʾir services, medical preparedness, and media coordination frameworks.

“Key achievements of the visit include the signing and initiation of service agreements, uploads of contracts and flight schedules on the Nusuk Masar platform, inspection and identification of clinics and medical facilities in Makkah and Madinah, confirmation of unified medical screening requirements, alignment on digital health and operational platforms, and diplomatic engagement,” Muazu said.

The release revealed that NAHCON will soon transition to the next phase of preparations, including finalisation of contracts, pilgrims’ data uploads, medical screening, and continued engagement with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated Hajj exercise.

Activities have reached an advanced stage across state pilgrims’ boards and private tour operators to convey about 66,900 Nigerian pilgrims duly registered to perform the 2026 pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in June. (The Guardian)

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