Saudi Arabia approves NAHCON clinics for the 2026 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has obtained official approval and operational licences from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health for its clinics and medical outposts that will serve Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj.

These licences permit NAHCON’s medical teams to begin providing healthcare services to pilgrims within the Kingdom.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the commission explained that the facilities were set up to deliver primary healthcare, including medical consultations, first‑aid treatment and care for minor ailments to Nigerian pilgrims.

“In line with operational guidelines, pilgrims seeking medical attention at NAHCON clinics are required to present their Nusuk Card and International Passport for identification and treatment documentation,” the statement said.

The commission added that pilgrims who need specialised or secondary care will be referred to accredited Saudi medical institutions, such as King Fahd Hospital and other designated hospitals.

NAHCON also reported that its Madinah clinic has been fully operational for the past four days, offering medical support to Nigerian pilgrims currently in the city.

The licensed sites include:

• NAHCON Clinic in the Shara Sittin Area, located at Hotel Humaira, Umm Al‑Qura Street, near the old Al‑Maatani petrol station in Makkah;
• NAHCON Clinic in the Misfalah, Al‑Tadwa Area, situated at Maatouq Al Qarhi Hotel behind Millennium Hotel on Ibrahim Khalil Street;
• NAHCON Clinic on Mansour Street Area, located at Niger House No. 1 behind Muasasat Alnaqd in Makkah.

The commission said that licensing these facilities represents a further milestone in its 2026 Hajj preparations and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health, safety and well‑being of Nigerian pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

In related news, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the appointment of the Emir of Gaya, Aliyu Abdulkadir, as Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage.

The Emir of Karaye, Muhammad Maharaz, has been named Deputy Amirul Hajj.

The appointments were announced in a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday.

The statement noted that the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board will provide extensive support to the Amirul Hajj and his deputy to ensure smooth and successful operations.

Previously, Governor Yusuf donated 200 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim as a gesture of concern for their welfare in the Holy Land.

The airlift of Kano State pilgrims is scheduled to begin on Thursday, 14 May 2026, with Max Air.