Breaking: Hajj Visa Processing to Commence February 8 — NAHCON Notifies States
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has formally notified State Pilgrims Welfare Boards that visa processing for the 2026 Hajj will commence on February 8, 2026, in line with timelines set by Saudi Arabian authorities.
The directive was conveyed in an official circular to the states, a copy of which was sighted by Hajj Gazette. NAHCON stated that the schedule aligns strictly with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s calendar for the 2026 pilgrimage.
According to the Saudi timetable, visa issuance will run until March 20, 2026, with no provision for extensions. This marks a clear departure from previous years and underscores Saudi Arabia’s tightened enforcement of Hajj operational deadlines.
NAHCON described the commencement date as a critical milestone in the 2026 Hajj roadmap. It coincides with the departure of the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, alongside senior officials, to Saudi Arabia to finalise key contracts and logistical arrangements for the pilgrimage.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation is expected to engage officials of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to conclude discussions on accommodation, transportation, and service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
Professor Usman’s trip follows the signing of the bilateral Hajj agreement between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia for the 2026 exercise. NAHCON has reiterated that strict compliance with all timelines is non-negotiable, warning that delays by stakeholders could jeopardise pilgrims’ participation in the 2026 Hajj.
