2026 Hajj Chaos: NAHCON Demands Refunds For Unregistered Pilgrims

According to Ireporter Online, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has directed State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to immediately refund intending pilgrims who could not be registered for the 2026 Hajj, as Saudi Arabia’s visa deadline approaches. The directive was issued during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting at the commission’s headquarters, Hajj House, Abuja, where NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and strict regulatory oversight in the conduct of the pilgrimage.

During the meeting, which was attended by commissioners, board members, executive secretaries, chairmen of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, members of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, the Medical Mission team, and management staff, newly appointed NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf explained that the reduction in Nigeria’s Hajj quota for 2026 was part of a global adjustment by Saudi authorities, and not a decision targeting the country. He stated that Nigeria’s quota stands at 40,250 pilgrims, excluding tour operators, noting that some states had uploaded data exceeding this figure.

Yusuf urged state officials to clarify public misconceptions about the quota reduction and ensure accurate communication with intending pilgrims. He directed states to reconcile their data and withdraw excess entries to prevent operational bottlenecks, warning that Saudi Arabia’s firm visa deadline of 1st Shawwal must be met to avoid disqualifying qualified pilgrims. States were also instructed to complete medical screenings, documentation, and data uploads within the prescribed timelines to facilitate visa issuance.

The commission cautioned against substituting names on flight manifests, noting that airline bookings are now digitally integrated with accommodation systems, making last-minute changes difficult. Board Member representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Said Dumbulwa, emphasized that medical screenings must be conducted only at government-recognized hospitals with mandatory inclusion of Medical and Dental Council registration numbers. Certificates must be digitally uploaded for verification, while private hospitals are prohibited from conducting Hajj certifications.

In a relief to pilgrims, NAHCON announced a reduction in the Yellow Card fee from ₦5,000 to ₦2,000 for 2026, with Port Health Services directly supervising issuance and authentication of vaccination certificates in line with stricter Saudi verification protocols. The commission also confirmed plans to monitor airline performance, warning that underperforming carriers may have pilgrims reassigned.

Yusuf reiterated that State Pilgrims Welfare Boards remain the primary custodians of intending pilgrims, while NAHCON acts in a regulatory capacity. He urged prompt refunds to pilgrims who will not be traveling to prevent financial disputes, sustain public confidence, and ensure a smooth Hajj operation. Monitoring teams are expected to be deployed to Saudi Arabia to assess feeding, accommodation, sanitation, and overall service delivery. Best-performing states may receive national recognition, while non-compliance could attract sanctions.