The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strict compliance with Saudi Arabia’s health and operational guidelines ahead of the 2026 Hajj.

Abba gave the assurance during a weekly virtual preparatory meeting with the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah in charge of International Collaboration, Dr. Al Hassan Manakhra of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The meeting forms part of sustained coordination efforts between both countries to ensure seamless arrangements for Nigerian pilgrims.

Key issues discussed included visa processing, pilgrims’ grouping, health certification compliance, flight scheduling and accommodation synchronisation.

During the session, it was disclosed that 10,554 visa applications have so far been uploaded into the Nusuk Masar system, out of which 1,734 visas have been issued. With visa processing expected to close in 16 days — ending on 1st Shawwal — both sides stressed the need to fast-track pending applications.

Ambassador Abba assured Saudi authorities that NAHCON would strictly adhere to all stipulated timelines and would not seek extensions, emphasizing that all processes would be concluded before the visa portal closes.

The commission also reported that over 70 per cent of pilgrims’ grouping has been completed, while medical approvals for more than 10,000 intending pilgrims have already been uploaded.

A major highlight of the meeting was a firm warning from the Saudi Ministry regarding full compliance with health requirements. Dr. Manakhra announced that random health checks would be conducted at entry points into the Kingdom to verify the authenticity of submitted health certificates.

He warned that any pilgrim found with a fake or falsified fitness certificate would be returned to Nigeria immediately, while medical personnel responsible for such certificates would face sanctions.

In response, the NAHCON Chairman reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on irregularities, noting that multiple safeguards have been instituted. These include the use of designated and accredited hospitals for medical screening, verification of certificates through doctors’ registration numbers, and multiple layers of internal review before final clearance.

Abba further disclosed that beyond pre-departure screenings, additional health checks would be conducted at various departure centres across Nigeria by members of the National Medical Team to ensure that only medically fit pilgrims are airlifted.

He stressed that NAHCON would not compromise on health standards under any circumstance, noting that safeguarding pilgrims’ wellbeing and protecting Nigeria’s reputation remain paramount.

The Saudi Ministry also emphasized the need for proper alignment between flight schedules and confirmed accommodation, particularly in Madinah, to avoid logistical challenges experienced in previous years.

Responding, Ambassador Abba assured that no Nigerian pilgrim would depart without secured accommodation, adding that coordination with Saudi service providers has been strengthened to ensure seamless operations.

The NAHCON chairman expressed appreciation to the Saudi Ministry for its continued cooperation and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained weekly coordination meetings until the successful completion of all preparations for the Hajj. (The Nation)

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