The decision was revealed during a meeting in Abuja with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, as stated by NAHCON’s deputy director of information, Fatima Usara.

NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Usman emphasized collaboration with state boards for seamless Hajj operations and highlighted the need for rigorous medical screenings due to Saudi Arabia’s tightened health requirements. 

Of the reduced quota, 51,513 slots are allocated to state pilgrims and officials, with 15,397 reserved for licensed tour operators. 

The cut follows Nigeria’s underutilization of its 2025 quota, with fewer than 60,000 pilgrims transported.

The Commission is working to lower costs, particularly cargo handling charges, to enhance affordability without compromising service quality. 

NAHCON also introduced a new luggage policy aligned with international aviation standards, allowing two 23kg checked-in bags and one hand luggage per pilgrim.

Saudi Arabia’s updated medical rules exclude pilgrims with serious conditions such as organ failure, neurological disorders, dementia, pregnancy, active cancer, tuberculosis, or other communicable diseases. 

Medical certificates from designated hospitals, verified by state chief medical directors, are mandatory for visa issuance, with violations potentially impacting Nigeria’s collective accountability.

NAHCON set a national deadline of 21 December 2025 for all 2026 Hajj remittances, urging states to adopt earlier internal deadlines. 

Adetona Adedeji, NAHCON’s Central Bank representative, pledged to appeal the bank’s two percent transaction charge on pilgrims’ payments to ease financial burdens.