The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning to intending Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, cautioning that anyone caught performing the pilgrimage without a valid Hajj visa risks a fine of SR20,000 (about N8.15 million) and imprisonment.
The warning came during a virtual review meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which focused on preparations for next year’s pilgrimage, according to Daily Trust.
The session was chaired by Dr. Rania Adham of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.
Saudi officials emphasized that deadlines for Hajj preparations would be strictly enforced, with no room for extensions. Key dates include:
November 2025 – Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
January 4, 2026 – Deadline for camp booking payments and service contracts.
February 1, 2026 – Deadline for uploading transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal.
1st of Shawwal, 1447 AH – Final date for visa issuance.
Saudi authorities also stressed that all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be processed exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.
During the meeting, Saudi representatives expressed concerns over repeated delays in Nigeria’s previous Hajj preparations, warning that such lapses risk undermining the welfare and spiritual experience of pilgrims.
They urged NAHCON to tighten coordination and ensure Nigerian contingents meet all requirements on time.
Responding, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, pledged full cooperation and gave assurances that the commission would ensure strict adherence to Saudi guidelines.
He said the commission was determined to guarantee a smooth, well-coordinated 2026 Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims, adding that early preparations were already underway to avoid past challenges.
