Saudi Arabia sets strict deadlines for 2026 Hajj operations

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that Saudi authorities have fixed strict deadlines for the 2026 Hajj, warning that they will not be shifted in order to guarantee smooth and well-coordinated operations.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, NAHCON’s Information Officer, Malam Abdulbasit Abba, said the update followed a virtual meeting with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which was led by Ustaz Abdallah Ash Shihry, Acting Director-General and Special Assistant to the Deputy Minister.

During the meeting, Saudi officials stressed that all agreements must be signed in November 2025, while January 4, 2026 would be the final date for completing camp booking payments and confirming service contracts.

They further announced that February 1, 2026 is the deadline for uploading all transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar Portal, while the first day of Shawwal will remain the strict cut-off date for visa issuance.

The Saudi Ministry also expressed concern over repeated delays from some participating countries, including Nigeria, warning that such lapses could negatively affect the welfare and overall experience of pilgrims. It further cautioned Nigerian intending pilgrims against visa violations, stressing that anyone caught performing Hajj without a valid Hajj visa would face a penalty of 20,000 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to about ₦8.16 million, in addition to imprisonment.

The ministry also emphasized that all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be carried out exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.

Meanwhile, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, reassured the Saudi authorities of Nigeria’s full commitment to cooperation and compliance with all requirements. He pledged that the commission would work closely with relevant partners to ensure timely preparations and safeguard the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj.