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| NAHCON Releases 2026 Hajj Schedule and Warns Against Deadline Breach |
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the 2026 Hajj schedule, setting strict deadlines for payments, contracts, and visa issuance.
NAHCON Announces Key Timelines for 2026 Hajj
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially released the timetable for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, emphasizing strict compliance with deadlines to ensure a smooth and successful operation.
In its statement shared on its official NAHCON X account, the commission urged intending pilgrims, state boards, and licensed private tour operators to strictly follow the outlined schedule. Failure to meet deadlines, it warned, could lead to disruptions in Nigeria’s participation in the pilgrimage.
Critical Deadlines for 2026 Hajj Pilgrims
According to NAHCON’s schedule, several key dates and deadlines will guide the preparation for the holy pilgrimage:
- November 2025: Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi authorities to officially kick-start preparations.
- October 8, 2025: Deadline for remittances by state boards and licensed operators to secure slots.
- January 4, 2026: Final date for completing camp booking payments and confirming service contract packages.
- February 1, 2026: Deadline for uploading transport and accommodation contracts to the Nusuk Masar portal.
- March 20, 2026: Strict deadline for visa issuance. NAHCON stressed there will be no extensions under any circumstances.
Why Strict Compliance is Important
The commission explained that these timelines are non-negotiable, as any delay could jeopardize the success of Nigeria’s participation.
A statement from NAHCON highlighted:
“These timelines are non-negotiable. All stakeholders must ensure early compliance to guarantee a smooth and hitch-free Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.”
Industry experts have noted that with the rising global demand for Hajj slots, Saudi Arabia has tightened its digital and logistical requirements. This makes Nigeria’s adherence to NAHCON’s schedule even more critical.
Implications for Intending Pilgrims and Operators
For intending pilgrims, the schedule means:
- Early registration and payment to avoid missing out on available slots.
- Timely submission of travel documents for visa processing.
- Strict cooperation with licensed tour operators for smooth coordination.
For state boards and private operators, NAHCON’s schedule is a binding framework to:
- Secure remittances before the October 2025 deadline.
- Finalize contracts with service providers early.
- Upload accurate details to the Nusuk Masar portal by February 2026.
How Pilgrims Can Stay Updated
To avoid missing any crucial deadline, pilgrims are advised to:
- Follow official updates on the NAHCON website.
- Stay in close contact with their state Hajj boards or licensed operators.
- Verify information directly from NAHCON to avoid misinformation.
The 2026 Hajj schedule released by NAHCON is a comprehensive framework designed to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims enjoy a smooth, well-coordinated pilgrimage. With stricter global requirements from Saudi authorities, compliance with these deadlines is more important than ever.
For intending pilgrims, the message is clear: start early, stay informed, and meet every deadline. Any delay could mean missing out on the spiritual journey of a lifetime.
