By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has issued an urgent call to all intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, reminding them of the fast-approaching February 8, 2026, deadline for data capturing and grouping.
In a press release signed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, the board warned that failure to meet this mandatory requirement on the Saudi-led Nusuk Masar registration platform will result in the inability to secure a visa for the pilgrimage.
The directive follows a high-level virtual meeting held on February 4 between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and representatives of participating Hajj nations.
During that briefing, Saudi officials reaffirmed that while the visa processing phase officially begins on February 8, all preliminary data must be finalized by that same date to allow for the commencement of operations.
The Saudi authorities have remained firm on these timelines, noting that March 20, 2026, serves as the final cutoff for all visa processing.
The chairman of the board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh emphasised that several new and reinforced conditions must be met before the Saudi authorities approve any pilgrim groupings for visa issuance. These requirements include the payment of consolidated guarantees and the mandatory identification of pilgrims under the Tamattu’i and Qiran categories. Payments for Hadaya (sacrificial animals) must be made strictly through the Nusuk Masar portal, unless a pilgrim has specifically opted for fasting in lieu of sacrifice, which must also be documented on the platform.
Furthermore, the board highlighted a new mandatory backup accommodation policy introduced by the Kingdom. This policy requires participating countries to secure hotel accommodations in Makkah equivalent to 1% of their total pilgrim quota as a contingency measure.
Additionally, all countries must conclude medical service contracts with accredited Saudi-based providers before their visa applications can proceed. These measures are designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants during the holy exercise.
Regarding air travel, the board noted that while the Saudi government intends to eventually enforce a strict 50/50 passenger-sharing formula under the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), a concessionary 40/60 formula has been approved for the 2026 season.
The press release also addressed the issue of visa violations, stating that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is monitoring tour operators closely to ensure pilgrims adhere strictly to their visa validity periods and do not abscond.
In a concluding remarks, the board urged all intending pilgrims and officials in Edo State who have yet to have their international passports captured to do so immediately. It warned that the window for registration is closing rapidly and emphasized that the Board's primary goal is to ensure that no eligible pilgrim from Edo State is left behind due to administrative delays.
