Hajj 2026: Edo Govt Raises Alarm Over February 8 Visa Deadline, Warns Pilgrims of Disqualification
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has issued an urgent warning to intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise, stressing that failure to meet the February 8, 2026, deadline for data capturing and grouping could result in disqualification from this year’s pilgrimage.
The warning was contained in a press release signed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, who urged all registered pilgrims to immediately comply with the mandatory registration process on the Saudi-controlled Nusuk Masar platform.
According to the Board, the data capturing exercise is a critical requirement for visa processing, noting that any pilgrim who fails to complete the process before the deadline will be unable to secure a Hajj visa.
The directive followed a high-level virtual meeting held on February 4 between the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and representatives of participating Hajj countries, where Saudi authorities reiterated strict adherence to operational timelines for the 2026 pilgrimage.
During the meeting, Saudi officials announced that although visa processing will officially commence on February 8, all preliminary pilgrims’ data must be completed and submitted before that date to enable smooth processing. The Kingdom emphasized that the timeline remains non-negotiable.
Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, further disclosed that Saudi authorities have introduced additional compliance measures that must be satisfied before any pilgrims’ grouping can be approved for visa issuance.
He explained that among the new requirements is the payment of consolidated guarantees covering all pilgrims. He also stressed the mandatory classification of pilgrims performing Hajj under the Tamattu’i and Qiran categories, which require payment for Hadaya — the sacrificial animal ritual — through the Nusuk Masar portal.
Mallam Uduimoh added that pilgrims who opt to observe fasting instead of offering sacrificial animals must ensure their decision is properly documented and registered on the platform to avoid complications during visa processing.
The Board urged all intending pilgrims to treat the deadline with utmost seriousness, emphasizing that compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations remains a prerequisite for participation in the pilgrimage.
Officials expressed concern that delays in data capturing could jeopardize Edo State’s preparations and potentially affect the participation of registered pilgrims, urging them to promptly liaise with the Board for necessary guidance and support.
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj exercise while calling on intending pilgrims to cooperate fully with established procedures to avoid missing the 2026 pilgrimage.