Hajj 2026: NAHCON warns against late payment of fare, visa delays

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the Saudi Arabian timetable for the 2026 Hajj, sating that deadlines for payments, visas, and contracts will not be extended.

This was the key message at NAHCON’s post-Hajj meeting with licensed tour operators in Abuja on Thursday.

The meeting, chaired by the Commission’s Chairperson, Abdullahi Usman, alongside other commissioners, was monitored by PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr Usman, a professor, commended the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, private operators, and service providers for their roles in the 2025 Hajj.

He also acknowledged the support of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he said enabled Nigerian pilgrims to perform Hajj with dignity, comfort, and peace of mind.

The Chairperson reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and collaboration, but demanded full compliance with Saudi regulations.

Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, said the Saudi authorities will no longer grant grace periods.

“If the portal closes today, it closes today,” he warned, reminding stakeholders of missed slots in 2025 due to late compliance.

On finances, Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance, Aliu AbdulRazaq, urged tour operators to make early payments, stressing that delayed obligations will not be tolerated.

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Commissioner PRSILS, Abubakar Yagawal, praised the operators’ conduct in 2025 but called for faster preparations for 2026.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks from Alidu Shutti, who described the session as highly productive and a step toward improving Hajj operations in Nigeria.