The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned Nigerian intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, that anyone caught performing the holy pilgrimage without a valid Hajj visa will be fined SR20,000 (about ₦8.15 million) and imprisonment.
The warning was communicated to Nigeria on Monday during a virtual meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, where both sides reviewed preparations ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. Rania Adham of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, stressed the need for strict adherence to deadlines set for next year’s pilgrimage. According to the Saudis, the deadlines remain non-negotiable and must be observed by all participating countries, including Nigeria.
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Key deadlines highlighted include the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2025; January 4, 2026, as the final date for camp booking payments and confirmation of service contract packages; February 1, 2026, for uploading accommodation and transport contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal; and the 1st of Shawwal as the ultimate deadline for visa issuance.
Saudi authorities expressed concern over repeated delays from Nigeria in past years, warning that such lapses could negatively impact the welfare and overall experience of pilgrims. They further stressed that all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be processed exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.
In response, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured the Saudi officials of the commission’s readiness to cooperate and comply with all requirements. He pledged that NAHCON would work closely with stakeholders to meet deadlines and ensure a seamless 2026 Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.
Professor Usman reiterated this position during NAHCON’s recent post-Hajj meeting with private tour operators in Abuja, where he emphasized that there would be no extensions to deadlines set by the Saudi government. He appealed to all operators and stakeholders to comply fully in order to guarantee smooth operations.
“The Commission (NAHCON) is committed to collaboration, fairness and transparency. But at the same time, we expect total compliance from all stakeholders as we work together to improve service delivery and meet global best practices,” Professor Usman stated.
