The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that Saudi Arabia has reduced the country’s Hajj quota for 2026 and introduced stricter health regulations for intending pilgrims.
In a statement, Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s deputy director of information and public relations, said the development emerged from a meeting between the Commission and State Pilgrims Welfare Boards held in Abuja. The meeting also covered issues such as Hajj cost harmonisation, payment deadlines, and tour operator policies.
NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman, who chaired the session, urged state executive secretaries to collaborate closely to ensure a smooth Hajj operation. He stressed the importance of thorough medical screening, noting that Saudi authorities had tightened health clearance requirements for all intending pilgrims.
The Commission is also negotiating with service providers to reduce certain costs, particularly cargo handling charges, in a bid to make the pilgrimage more affordable, while maintaining the quality of services provided to pilgrims.
A major outcome of the meeting was the confirmation that Nigeria’s Mashair (camp) allocation on Saudi Arabia’s NUSUK Masar portal has been cut to 66,910 slots, down from the 95,000 initially announced. Of this total, 51,513 slots are designated for state pilgrims and officials, with the remaining 15,397 reserved for licensed tour operators. NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, explained that the reduction follows Nigeria’s underutilisation of its 2025 Hajj quota, when fewer than 60,000 pilgrims were transported.
During the meeting, NAHCON Board Member representing the Central Bank of Nigeria, Adetona Adedeji, said he would communicate an appeal to the bank to reconsider the two per cent charge levied on pilgrims’ transactions. The Commission also reminded state boards that all Hajj remittances for 2026 must be completed by 21 December 2025 and advised earlier internal deadlines to meet this national cutoff.
In accordance with international aviation standards, NAHCON introduced a new luggage policy allowing each pilgrim two 23kg checked-in bags and one hand luggage.
The Commission highlighted Saudi Arabia’s updated medical requirements, which bar participation for individuals with serious illnesses, including organ failure, neurological or psychiatric disorders, dementia, pregnancy, active cancer under chemotherapy, tuberculosis, or other communicable diseases. Medical screening must be conducted by designated hospitals, with certificates countersigned by state chief medical directors. Pilgrim visas will be linked to verified medical certificates, and any violation may result in collective accountability for Nigeria.
