National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclosed that only pilgrims who are medically confirmed fit will be permitted to travel for the 2026 Hajj.

This was  revealed during the swearing-in of the Principal Officers Committee of the 2026 Hajj National Medical Team, where it unveiled tougher health measures aimed at protecting Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf,speaking at the event said the commission remains committed to protecting 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

Also,he 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 the chairman, 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.

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

The Head of the National Medical Team, Ibrahim Abubakar, promised the team’s dedication to implementing the new measures.