The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that only pilgrims who are medically certified fit will be allowed to travel for the 2026 Hajj.

The commission made this known during the inauguration of the Principal Officers Committee of the 2026 Hajj National Medical Team, where it unveiled tougher health measures aimed at protecting Nigerian pilgrims.

Speaking at the event, NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the commission remains committed to safeguarding the health and safety of intending pilgrims, in line with guidelines set by the Government of Saudi Arabia.

He stressed that only pilgrims who are confirmed to be free from specified illnesses and declared medically fit would be cleared for the pilgrimage.

Yusuf directed that all medical clearance forms must carry the registration number of the issuing doctor with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

According to him, any pilgrim found medically unfit upon arrival risks being sent back to Nigeria, while officials who fail to comply with the regulations may face sanctions.

He also disclosed that an additional layer of screening would be introduced at departure centres as a final verification before airlift.

Head of the National Medical Team, Ibrahim Abubakar, pledged the team’s commitment to implementing the new measures.