2026 Hajj: NAHCON Sets March 2 Deadline for Medical Certificates
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed March 2, 2026, as the deadline for the submission of Medical Fitness Certificates for all registered pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday. NAHCON stated that all registered pilgrims’ medical fitness certificates must be submitted on or before Monday, 2 March.
The commission warned that failure to meet the deadline would result in the forfeiture of visa opportunities for affected pilgrims.
The commission added that the submission of duly processed medical certificates is now a mandatory requirement for visa issuance by Saudi authorities.
“Kindly note that failure to submit the required Medical Fitness Certificates within the stipulated deadline will result in the forfeiture of visa opportunities for the affected pilgrims,” NAHCON stated, directing all State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissions and Licensed Tour Operators to act promptly.
According to the commission, the requirement forms part of a broader health compliance framework introduced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to strengthen medical screening, improve pilgrim management and mitigate public health risks during the pilgrimage.
The commission clarified that the directive is not exclusive to Nigeria but applies to all Hajj-participating countries in line with Saudi Arabia’s enhanced health and logistical protocols.
Meanwhile, NAHCON also addressed concerns over the reduction of Nigeria’s Hajj quota from 95,000 to 50,000 pilgrims.
The Commission explained that the adjustment is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to reinforce health safeguards and streamline operations for the 2026 exercise.
NAHCON called on all state boards and licensed tour operators to ensure strict compliance to avoid operational setbacks and protect the interests of intending Nigerian pilgrims.
