The Saudi Arabian authorities have cautioned Nigerian pilgrims planning to attend the 2026 Hajj that those without an official Hajj visa will risk a fine of SR20,000 (approximately ₦8.15 million) and possible jail time.
The warning was delivered during a virtual meeting between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to assess preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage. The session was chaired by Dr. Rania Adham from the Saudi Ministry.
NAHCON, in a statement, said Saudi authorities stressed strict compliance with all deadlines, noting that they would not be shifted.
These include the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November this year, 4 January 2026 as the last date for camp booking payments and service contract confirmations, and 1 February 2026 for uploading transport and accommodation contracts on the Nusuk Masar portal. The final deadline for visa issuance remains the 1st of Shawwal.
The Saudis lamented repeated delays by Nigeria in past preparations and warned that such lapses could negatively affect the welfare and overall experience of pilgrims.
They also said all Hadaya (sacrificial rites) payments and accommodation bookings must be processed exclusively through the Nusuk Masar platform.
Responding, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, assured Saudi authorities of the commission’s full cooperation.