The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning to Nigerian intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, stating that anyone caught performing the holy pilgrimage without a valid Hajj visa will face a fine of SR20,000 (about N8.15 million) and imprisonment.
The caution was delivered during a virtual meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to review preparations for next year’s pilgrimage, according to Daily Trust.
The session was chaired by Dr. Rania Adham of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj.
According to NAHCON, Saudi officials insisted on strict compliance with all deadlines, noting they would not be extended.
Key dates include the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2025, January 4, 2026, as the deadline for camp booking payments and service contracts, and February 1, 2026, for uploading transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal.
Meanwhile, the final date for visa issuance remains the 1st of Shawwal.
Saudi authorities expressed concern over repeated delays in Nigeria’s past preparations, warning that such lapses could undermine the welfare and overall experience of pilgrims.
They emphasised that all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be completed exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, pledged full cooperation and promised that the commission would ensure strict adherence to all requirements to guarantee a smooth and well-coordinated 2026 Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.
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