NAHCON INAUGURATES PRINCIPAL OFFICERS COMMITTEE FOR 2026 HAJJ MEDICAL TEAM

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated the Principal Officers Committee of the National Medical Team for the 2026 Hajj exercise, marking the official start of Nigeria’s medical preparations for pilgrims.

The ceremony, part of arrangements for the 2026 pilgrimage, highlighted the Commission’s commitment to strengthening health protocols in line with regulations set by the Government of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement on Wednesday, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the health and safety of Nigerian pilgrims remain the Commission’s top priority. He stressed that only pilgrims certified medically fit and free from specified diseases would be cleared to travel.

Ambassador Yusuf directed that all medical clearance forms must include the issuing doctor’s Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria registration number, warning that Saudi authorities would conduct random checks upon arrival. He added that any pilgrim found medically unfit in Saudi Arabia would be repatriated, while personnel failing to comply with procedures could face sanctions.

He also announced an additional screening stage at designated departure centres to verify pilgrims’ fitness before airlift to Saudi Arabia.

The Head of the National Medical Team, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, assured the Commission of full compliance and outlined plans for comprehensive screening, accountability measures, and the deployment of an Electronic Medical Records system for real-time monitoring during the pilgrimage.

According to NAHCON, the Principal Officers are tasked with leadership, supervision, and coordination of all medical activities, operational planning, personnel deployment, quality clinical care, disease surveillance, infection control, emergency response, and referral of complicated cases in accordance with Saudi health regulations.

The committee will also manage medical supplies, equipment, logistics, personnel welfare, and the Electronic Medical Records system to ensure uninterrupted services and ethical compliance throughout the Hajj period.

NAHCON described the inauguration as a major step toward a safe, compliant, and successful Hajj 2026 for Nigerian pilgrims.