ANY Nigerian intending pilgrim for next year’s Hajj exercise caught performing the holy pilgrimage without a valid Hajj visa will face a fine of SR20,000 (about N8.15million) and imprisonment.
The warning was relayed during a virtual meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to review preparations for the pilgrimage, presided over by Dr. Rania Adham of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.
NAHCON, in a statement, said Saudi authorities emphasised strict compliance with all deadlines, as they would not be shifted.
These include signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November this year; January 4, 2026 as the last date for camp booking payments and service contract confirmations; and 1 February 1, 2026 for uploading transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal.
The final deadline for visa issuance remains the 1st of Shawwal.
The Saudis lamented repeated delays by Nigeria in past preparations, warning that such lapses could negatively affect the welfare and overall experience of pilgrims, stressing that all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be processed exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.
Responding, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured Saudi authorities of the Commission’s full cooperation, pledging that NAHCON would work closely with partners to ensure compliance with all deadlines and requirements to guarantee a smooth, well-coordinated 2026 Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.
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