The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced early preparations for the 2026 Hajj, with a high-level delegation currently in Saudi Arabia to finalize key service agreements.
Led by NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the delegation includes Commissioners and the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Mustapha M. Ali.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Commission’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Usara, the visit aligns with the operational calendar recently released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The Saudi authorities have scheduled the window for early contracting and payment for Mashair (Hajj camps) between September 6 and 23, 2025. Additionally, essential services such as transportation and accommodation must be secured by September 23–24, 2025.
Furthermore, the Ministry has set October 12, 2025, as the final deadline for announcing pilgrims’ registration and submitting data for grouping via the Nusuk platform.
To meet these critical deadlines, NAHCON has directed all State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissions, and licensed Hajj tour operators to remit Hajj fares for the 2026 pilgrimage no later than October 8, 2025.
“The Commission urges all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the timelines to ensure seamless operations and a successful Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims,” the statement emphasized.
Earlier, NAHCON announced a provisional fare of N8.5 million for the 2026 Hajj, as part of its early planning framework. This tentative figure was shared during a strategic post-Hajj review meeting held on August 7, 2025, at the Hajj House Headquarters in Abuja.
During the session with Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Professor Usman reviewed the 2025 Hajj operations and set the stage for 2026 planning. He also confirmed that Nigeria has retained its 95,000-slot quota from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 pilgrimage.
“The allocation of slots to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards remains unchanged from the 2025 Hajj,” the Commission added, confirming that the existing distribution formula will be maintained.
