In a relief to intending pilgrims, NAHCON announced a reduction in the Yellow Card fee from ₦5,000 to ₦2,000 for the 2026 exercise, following engagements with relevant health authorities.
24th February 2026 08:24 AM 
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has directed State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to immediately refund intending pilgrims who could not be registered for the 2026 Hajj, as Saudi Arabia’s visa deadline approaches.
The directive was issued during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters, Hajj House, Abuja, where NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and strict regulatory oversight in the conduct of the 2026 pilgrimage.
The meeting was attended by commissioners, board members, executive secretaries and chairmen of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, members of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, the Medical Mission team and management staff.
In a statement issued on Monday, NAHCON said the newly appointed Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, clarified that the reduction in Nigeria’s Hajj quota for 2026 was part of a global adjustment affecting several participating countries and not a decision targeted at Nigeria.
He further disclosed that Saudi authorities have fixed a firm visa deadline of 1st Shawwal, with no indication of an extension, warning that failure to meet the deadline could result in qualified pilgrims missing the pilgrimage.
NAHCON also cautioned against the substitution of names on flight manifests, noting that airline bookings are now digitally integrated with accommodation systems, making last-minute changes problematic.
On health requirements, Board Member representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Said Dumbulwa, briefed stakeholders on strengthened certification measures.
He stated that medical screenings must be conducted only at government-recognised hospitals, with mandatory inclusion of Medical and Dental Council registration numbers. Certificates must also be digitally uploaded for verification, while identified disqualifying medical conditions must be strictly observed. He reiterated that private hospitals are not permitted to conduct Hajj certification.
In a relief to intending pilgrims, NAHCON announced a reduction in the Yellow Card fee from ₦5,000 to ₦2,000 for the 2026 exercise, following engagements with relevant health authorities.
The Commission added that Port Health Services would directly supervise the issuance and authentication of vaccination certificates, as Saudi Arabia introduces stricter verification protocols, including biometric checks.
