As preparations gather momentum ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise, the Federal Government has called on all intending pilgrims from Nigeria to ensure they complete their payment obligations on or before December 31, 2025, to secure their slots for the spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This advisory was made known through a statement issued by Mallam Kadiri Edah, Director of the relevant Hajj Board overseeing pilgrim registration and logistics. According to him, the deadline is part of the broader operational timeline set to ensure seamless coordination with Saudi Arabian authorities and adequate preparation for the welfare of pilgrims.
Mallam Edah emphasized that timely payment would allow the Board to conclude essential arrangements such as flight scheduling, accommodation bookings, medical screening, and issuance of visas—all of which require early confirmation in line with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj regulatory framework.
He also noted that failure to meet the payment deadline may result in automatic disqualification, as the Saudi authorities have already adopted a stricter policy regarding country quotas and the early submission of pilgrim data. This is part of a larger effort by both Nigerian and Saudi officials to avoid the logistical challenges that have affected past Hajj operations.
The Hajj pilgrimage remains one of the five pillars of Islam and holds immense spiritual value for Muslims worldwide. Each year, thousands of Nigerians take part in the sacred rites in Makkah and Madinah. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in partnership with state pilgrim welfare boards, plays a key role in coordinating the annual exercise and ensuring the safety and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims.
With the 2026 Hajj already on the horizon, intending pilgrims are therefore urged to act promptly, make the necessary financial commitments, and prepare themselves spiritually and physically for what remains a life-transforming experience.
