National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated the Principal Officers Committee of the National Medical Team for the 2026 Hajj exercise as part of preparations to provide medical services to Nigerian pilgrims.
In a statement by the Commission, the inauguration is aimed at strengthening medical arrangements and ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims during the pilgrimage in line with regulations introduced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, stressed that the health and safety of pilgrims remain the Commission’s top priority, noting that only those certified medically fit and free from specified diseases would be cleared to travel for the exercise.
He directed that all medical clearance forms must carry the issuing doctor’s Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria registration number, warning that Saudi authorities would conduct random checks at entry points.
Ambassador Yusuf explained that any pilgrim found medically unfit on arrival could be repatriated, while personnel who fail to comply with the guidelines risk sanctions.
He also announced the introduction of an additional screening stage at departure centres as a final verification before airlift.
The Head of the National Medical Team, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, assured the Commission of full compliance, outlining plans for comprehensive screening, strict accountability, and deployment of an Electronic Medical Records system for real-time monitoring and reporting.
The Commission noted that the committee will provide leadership, supervision, and coordination of medical activities, including disease surveillance, infection prevention, emergency response, and management of medical logistics to ensure a safe and successful Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims in 2026.
RN
