The Nationwide Hajj Fee of Nigeria (NAHCON) says Saudi Authorities have accepted 66,910 slots for Nigeria’s pilgrims to take part within the 2026 Hajj train.
The fee acknowledged that Saudi Arabia reserved the determine on the NUSUK Masar portal because of the underutilisation of 95,000 slots allotted within the earlier yr.
NAHCON disclosed this in a press release by its Deputy Director, Data and Public Relations, Hajiya Fatima Usara, in Abuja on Thursday.
Usara mentioned the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, revealed this at a gathering with officers of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards in Abuja.
Elegushi mentioned the Mashair area reserved for Nigeria’s pilgrims on the NUSUK Masar portal was 66,910 slots for the 2026 Hajj.
“The implication of that is that whereas 95,000 slots had been allotted to Nigeria, the precise quantity that may take part within the 2026 Hajj is 51,513 for states and all different officers, whereas 15,397 will go to licensed tour operators.
“It was revealed that Saudi Arabia decreased Nigeria’s camp slots to this determine of 66,910 on the portal on account of underutilisation of slots within the earlier yr.”
The NAHCON commissioner revealed that earlier allocations would even be reversed based mostly on every state’s utilisation in the course of the 2025 Hajj.
On his half, Dr Saidu Dumbulwa, the Board member representing the Ministry of Well being in NAHCON, reiterated Saudi Arabia’s strict medical necessities for pilgrims.
Dumbulwa emphasised that people with organ failure, neurological or psychiatric problems, and dementia wouldn’t be allowed entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He mentioned that others affected included being pregnant, energetic most cancers present process chemotherapy, and tuberculosis, or different communicable ailments.
In accordance with him, the brand new measures launched by Saudi Arabia is aimed toward lowering the danger of illness transmission, mortality, and the healthcare burden on Saudi authorities.
He really useful that medical screening ought to henceforth be carried out solely by designated hospitals.
He mentioned particular individuals of integrity can be authorised to log off on medical certifications, which might then be countersigned by the State’s Chief Medical Director to curb forgery.
“The fee emphasised that visa issuance can be linked to the medical certificates, which can be verified on the level of entry.
”Therefore all medical rules should be strictly adhered to, as any violation will maintain Nigeria collectively accountable.”
In a associated improvement, Aliu AbdulRazak, NAHCON Commissioner answerable for Coverage Personnel Administration and Finance, mentioned the fee had obtained approval to switch states’ funds to the Central Financial institution of Nigeria (CBN) regularly.
”The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, has accepted the switch of funds to CBN on common foundation, as they’re being acquired from the states, in order to benefit from the constructive trade price.”
The Board member representing CBN in NAHCON, Dr Adetona Adedeji, additionally pledged to convey NAHCON ‘s request to CBN on the opportunity of lowering the 2 per cent cost imposed on pilgrims’ transactions.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the NAHCON Chairman mentioned efforts had been ongoing to barter reductions in sure value parts, corresponding to cargo dealing with costs, to be able to ease the monetary burden on intending pilgrims.
“The fee, nevertheless, emphasised that service suppliers’ charges is not going to be arbitrarily decreased, since which will have an effect on companies that pilgrims are anticipated to obtain.
”The suppliers could provide companies commensurate with funds made.
“The Fee additionally requested States to submit the variety of registered pilgrims to verify whether it is in keeping with NAHCON’s projections of pilgrims registration.”
In accordance with him, this can facilitate commensurate planning.
”The fee reminded the states of the brand new deadline of Dec. 21 for remittances.
”Due to this fact, every state could set an inner deadline to make sure all funds are acquired and transferred to NAHCON earlier than the cutoff date.
“To make sure well timed funds, NAHCON will embark on nationwide sensitisation for States and pilgrims to spotlight the urgency and significance of assembly the deadline.”
He famous that NAHCON, in a brand new improvement, had introduced that this yr’s Hajj would undertake the usual worldwide baggage coverage, permitting every pilgrim two 23kg checked-in baggage and one backpack as hand baggage.
The Chairman, Discussion board of States, Alhaji Idris Almakura, drew the eye of all members to the seriousness of the slots limitation on the NUSUK Masar portal.
On the finish of the assembly, the Government Secretary of the Adamawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr Abubakar Salihu, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for carrying the states alongside in all facets of Hajj preparations.
He counseled the workers of NAHCON for working diligently underneath strain and reaffirmed the States’ dedication to cooperation.
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