On Sunday, 26th October 2025, the North-East Delegation of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), chaired by Alhaji Abba Jato, continued its ongoing Sensitization and Enlightenment Tour across the zone with a visit to Bauchi State.
Highlights of the Day’s Activities were:
1. Visit to the Bauchi State Pilgrims Welfare Board: The delegation led by the Head, Bauchi Outreach Office, Alhaj Muhammad Sanusi Alfa paid a courtesy visit to the Bauchi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, where they were warmly received by the Special Assistant to the Executive Governor on Hajj Matters, Alhaji Shehu Wadaji, and the Executive Secretary of Bauchi Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Idris, along with other key stakeholders, including representatives of paramilitary agencies, Commissioners, Ulama, and traditional leaders.
2. During the visit, the delegation conveyed NAHCON’s message on the new guidelines issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the 2026 Hajj operations.
Key Points Highlighted:
a. Early Registration and Payment: Intending pilgrims were urged to complete their registration earnest to enable the Board to remit Hajj payments to NAHCON on or before the 21st of December, 2025.
b. Compliance with the New Health Guidelines: All intending pilgrims must undergo mandatory medical screening, which will serve as a prerequisite for visa processing.
c. Eligibility Screening: Only physically fit individuals will be considered for 2026 Hajj. Pregnant women, persons with disability or diagnosed with serious underlying health conditions, as well as disable by age, must be excluded from participation. In the event, such ineligible person is allowed to travel into Saudi Arabia, he/she will be returned immediately, while NAHCON, state and consultant who endorsed the medical certificate of such person will be penalised.
d. Visa Deadline: The delegation reiterated that visa processing will be closed on the 2nd of February 2026, with no possibility of extension.
The meeting was highly interactive, with several questions, observations, and contributions from participants, all of which were satisfactorily addressed.
Notably, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Societal Re-orientations (RA&SR) in the state, Engr. Muhammad Binni Abdulqadir, assured the delegation that the message of the Committee would be effectively disseminated to all intending pilgrims down to the grassroot.
He further pledged that the state government would explore ways to support the Board in meeting the 2026 Hajj payment deadline of 21st December 2025.
