By Shafii Sani Mohammed and Abdulbasit Abba
In continuation of the Chairman’s familiarisation meetings with Hajj stakeholders, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON) has further clarified issues surrounding the 2026 Hajj slot adjustment, medical screening requirements, visa processing procedures, and broader operational reforms following its strategic engagement with Licensed Tour Operators.
Speaking during the engagement, the Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, reaffirmed that NAHCON remains strictly a regulatory body established to license, supervise, and ensure compliance within the Hajj and Umrah industry. He emphasized that the Commission will intensify performance monitoring mechanisms and apply appropriate sanctions where violations occur, including suspension or revocation of licenses where necessary.
The Commission reiterated that the recent adjustment in additional Hajj slots is the result of a global allocation decision by Saudi Hajj authorities and not a unilateral action by NAHCON. National quotas are determined strictly by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with operational capacity and safety considerations.
Responding to matters raised on Nigeria’s quota, it was clarified at the meeting that NAHCON does not possess the authority to independently increase or alter approved quotas. The Commission therefore urged stakeholders and the public to disregard misinformation suggesting internal manipulation or discriminatory allocation.
Nigeria’s officially approved quota remains intact, and distribution is being handled equitably within the approved framework.
Tour operators who reported financial implications arising from advance contractual commitments were advised to submit formal representations with supporting documentation for review. The Commission assured that legitimate cases would be examined within regulatory and diplomatic channels where applicable.
The Head of NAHCON’s Medical Team, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar, emphasized that compulsory medical screening certificates are directly tied to visa issuance requirements.
To ensure credibility and eliminate abuse, NAHCON has restricted medical certification to reputable government hospitals. Each medical form must bear proper physician identification, including registration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), to guarantee authenticity and accountability.
The Commission clarified that:
• The measure is designed to prevent falsification and abuse of medical records.
• Screening compliance is already significantly underway across states.
• The requirement aligns strictly with Saudi visa processing timelines.
NAHCON warned that submission of unreliable or falsified medical information would attract serious consequences. While acknowledging the tight timelines, the Commission explained that urgency is necessary to prevent visa processing delays.
Addressing concerns regarding visa processing arrangements, NAHCON clarified that the current framework was inherited and subsequently reviewed in line with operational realities, including past challenges such as absconding cases.
The Commission disclosed that reform efforts have encountered resistance from certain interests that benefit from non-transparent processes. However, NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a structured, accountable, and straightforward system that serves the collective interest rather than select groups.
Government reform initiatives, the Commission noted, are ongoing and aimed at strengthening transparency, efficiency, and regulatory oversight across Hajj and Umrah operations.
NAHCON stressed the need for sincerity, cooperation, and responsible conduct among all stakeholders. It warned against actions capable of undermining collective reform efforts.
The Commission reaffirmed that:
• Companies that perform creditably will be recognized and encouraged.
• Regulatory breaches and misconduct will attract appropriate sanctions.
• Compliance and professionalism remain non-negotiable standards.
The Chairman also directed the Commission’s Media Unit to enhance proactive communication and ensure timely clarification of developments affecting pilgrims and operators.
On broader issues concerning Umrah operations, service provider arrangements, and financial concerns raised by operators, NAHCON announced that a comprehensive consultative meeting will be convened after the Hajj exercise to develop binding resolutions and long-term improvements.
For now, the Commission emphasized that its primary focus remains on ensuring a smooth, efficient, and successful Hajj 2026 operation in the overall interest of Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON remains firmly committed to:
• Transparent communication
• Equitable slot distribution
• Strong regulatory enforcement
• Constructive engagement with licensed Tour Operators
Stakeholders and the general public are advised to rely solely on official NAHCON communications for accurate and verified information.
