By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) inaugurated the Principal Officers Committee of the 2026 Hajj National Medical Team and Medical Committee in Abuja on March 4, 2026 as Nigeria ramps up preparation for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
At the ceremony, NAHCON Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf emphasised that safeguarding the health and safety of Nigerian pilgrims remains the commission’s foremost priority, aligning with stringent health regulations imposed by Saudi authorities.
The appointed principal officers are mandated to lead, supervise and coordinate all medical activities throughout the Hajj period, including quality clinical care, disease surveillance, infection prevention, emergency response and proper referral of complicated cases; as set out in their Terms of Reference.
Yusuf directed that all medical clearance forms must include the issuing doctor’s Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria registration number, warning that Saudi officials will conduct random checks at entry points; medically unfit pilgrims risk repatriation, while erring personnel could face sanctions.
In addition, NAHCON announced an additional screening stage at departure centres to serve as final verification before Nigerian pilgrims are airlifted to Saudi Arabia.
The inauguration marks a strategic step toward ensuring a safe, compliant and successful Hajj 2026, reflecting heightened focus on health standards and operational excellence.
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