The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has announced that the inaugural flight for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will take off on May 3, marking the start of the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
In a statement issued on April 28, NAHCON said the first batch of pilgrims will depart from Abeokuta, Ogun State, with several other flights scheduled from different parts of the country on the same day as part of a coordinated nationwide operation.
According to reports monitored by BBC Hausa, Nigeria is expected to airlift over 70,000 pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The figure includes pilgrims sponsored by state governments as well as those travelling through private tour operators.
The report noted that authorities are working to ensure a smooth operation, building on lessons from previous Hajj exercises.
NAHCON and health authorities have stressed that strict medical requirements must be met before departure. Pilgrims are required to present valid vaccination certificates—commonly known as the “Yellow Card”—as part of entry requirements into Saudi Arabia.
The mandatory vaccinations include:
- Meningitis (ACWY)
- Polio
- Yellow fever
- COVID-19
These vaccines must be taken within specified timeframes before travel, and proof must be documented in the International Certificate of Vaccination.
BBC Hausa further reported that delays in obtaining vaccination cards and completing immunisation have been identified as a major challenge in some states, prompting authorities to intensify awareness and compliance efforts.
Saudi health regulations also require that all pilgrims be medically fit. Individuals with severe or contagious illnesses may not be cleared for travel, as health screening will be conducted both before departure and on arrival in the Kingdom.
NAHCON advised intending pilgrims to:
- Travel strictly according to their assigned schedules
- Move in groups of 45 pilgrims
- Maintain contact with group leaders and officials
- Complete all documentation, including health certification, before departure
The commission warned that airlines will operate on a zonal basis and will not return once operations in a particular zone are completed.
Established in 2006, NAHCON is the federal agency responsible for coordinating Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims, including airlift, accommodation, and welfare services.
The commencement of the inaugural flight on May 3 signals the beginning of one of the largest annual religious logistics operations undertaken by Nigeria, involving tens of thousands of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage.
