The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned stakeholders to strictly adhere to the timelines set by Saudi Arabian authorities for the 2026 Hajj, warning that there will be no extensions for visa processing, payments, or contractual agreements.
NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, gave the warning during a Post-Hajj Stakeholders’ Meeting with licensed tour operator companies in Abuja.
The statement was issued by the commission’s Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafii Mohammed, on Thursday.
Elegushi stressed that Saudi authorities had made it clear that deadlines would be enforced without exception.
“Gone are the days when you could beg for extra weeks to process visas. For 2026, if the portal closes today, it closes today,” he said.
He recalled that during the 2025 Hajj, many intending pilgrims missed their slots after assuming that extensions would be granted.
He also described the challenges faced at Arafat in 2025 as a learning point for better planning in the next exercise.
“The Saudi system has changed, and we must adapt quickly.
“What happened in 2025 has given us insight and direction. We must learn from it, plan better, and work faster,” he added.
Also speaking, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Prince Aliu AbdulRazaq, urged licensed tour operators to ensure timely payments, noting that Saudi authorities will not tolerate late contractual obligations.
The Chairman and Chief Executive of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, commended state pilgrims’ welfare boards, private tour operators, and service providers for their contributions to the success of the 2025 Hajj.
He also thanked the Federal Government for supporting the commission in ensuring pilgrims performed the rites with dignity and comfort.
Usman reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to collaboration, fairness, and transparency but insisted on full compliance from stakeholders to align with global best practices.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, praised tour operators for their performance during the 2025 Hajj and urged continued cooperation.
He advised intending pilgrims to make early payments and preparations for a smoother 2026 exercise.
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