The 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 Nigeria’s arrangements for provision of medical services to pilgrims during the Hajj.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, stressed that the health and safety of pilgrims remain the Commission’s top priority, in line with regulations introduced by the Government of Saudi Arabia. He reiterated that only pilgrims certified medically fit and free from specified diseases will be cleared to travel.
A statement from the commission by Yusuf Kullima said the Chairman directed that all medical clearance forms must carry the issuing doctor’s Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) registration number, warning that Saudi authorities will conduct random checks at entry points. Any medically unfit pilgrim will be repatriated, while erring personnel risk sanctions. He also announced the introduction of an additional screening stage at departure centres as final verification before airlift.
Head of the 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 Terms of Reference mandate the Principal Officers to provide overall leadership, supervision, and coordination of medical activities in line with guidelines of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria; develop operational strategies and oversee personnel deployment for effective service delivery throughout the Hajj period; ensure quality clinical care, disease surveillance, infection prevention and control, emergency response, and proper referral of complicated cases in accordance with Saudi health regulations; manage medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, equipment, logistics, and welfare of personnel to guarantee uninterrupted services; deploy and maintain the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for accurate data management and reporting while upholding ethical and professional standards.
The inauguration marks a significant step toward ensuring a safe, compliant, and successful Hajj 2026 for Nigerian pilgrims.
