Only pilgrims who are medically proven fit will be permitted to travel for the 2026 Hajj, according to a statement released by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
During the Principal Officers Committee of the 2026 Hajj National Medical Team’s inauguration, the commission announced stricter health protocols designed to safeguard Nigerian pilgrims.
Speaking at the event, NAHCON Chairman Ismail Abba Yusuf stated that the commission is still dedicated to protecting the health and safety of prospective pilgrims in accordance with rules established by the Saudi Arabian government.
He emphasized that pilgrims would only be permitted to travel if they were verified to be free of certain ailments and deemed medically healthy.
Yusuf ordered that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) registration number of the issuing physician be included on all medical clearance applications.
He claims that pilgrims who are deemed medically unfit upon arrival run the risk of being sent to Nigeria, and authorities who disobey the rules could be punished.
He also revealed that, as a last check prior to airlift, an extra layer of screening would be implemented at departure centers.
Ibrahim Abubakar, the head of the National Medical Team, promised the group’s dedication to putting the new policies into action.
