NAHCON Directs States to Reconcile Pilgrim Data Ahead of 2026 Hajj
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has ordered all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to urgently reconcile their Hajj data for 2026 after reports indicated that uploaded records have exceeded Nigeria’s official quota.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf stated that Nigeria’s allocation for the upcoming Hajj stands at 40,250 pilgrims, excluding Tour Operators.
He stressed that the integrity of the exercise depends on strict adherence to this figure.
“States must immediately review their data and withdraw any excess entries. Over-registration creates operational bottlenecks and undermines the efficiency of the Hajj process,” Ambassador Yusuf said during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting at Hajj House, Abuja.
The Commission highlighted that exceeding the approved allocation could delay visa issuance and disrupt other critical logistics, including airline bookings, accommodation arrangements, and medical screenings. States were therefore instructed to complete data reconciliation without delay to ensure smooth processing and compliance with Saudi authorities’ regulations.
NAHCON emphasized that the directive is not punitive but is aimed at maintaining order, transparency, and efficiency in the pilgrimage process. Chairman Yusuf urged states to take immediate action to prevent avoidable challenges that could affect intending pilgrims.
The Commission further reminded state boards that while they remain custodians of pilgrims within their jurisdictions, NAHCON retains its regulatory mandate to ensure adherence to quotas and operational protocols.
This move is part of broader measures by NAHCON to streamline the 2026 Hajj operations, safeguard pilgrims’ interests, and ensure Nigeria’s compliance with international Hajj requirements.
