The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has warned that any Nigerian found performing the 2026 Hajj without a valid visa risks imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 Saudi Riyals (about ₦8.158 million).
The caution was issued on Monday during a virtual meeting between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), where both sides reviewed preparations for next year’s pilgrimage.
Saudi officials, led by Dr. Rania Adham, stressed strict adherence to deadlines, warning that delays from Nigeria in past years would no longer be tolerated.
Key timelines include: signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November; January 4, 2026 as the final date for camp booking payments and service contract confirmations; February 1, 2026 for uploading transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal; and the 1st of Shawwal as the absolute deadline for visa issuance.
The Saudis also directed that all payments for Hadaya (sacrificial rites) and accommodation bookings be made only through the Nusuk Masar platform.
In response, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, pledged Nigeria’s full cooperation and assured that the commission would work closely with partners to ensure compliance.
He emphasised that NAHCON would prioritise coordination and transparency to guarantee the welfare of pilgrims and smooth operations in 2026.
At a recent post-Hajj meeting in Abuja, Usman had already warned private tour operators that Saudi deadlines would not be extended, urging strict compliance to avoid jeopardising Nigeria’s participation in the exercise.
