**Nigeria's Hajj Experience Set for a Major Overhaul** As the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage draws near, Nigeria's National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is rolling out a series of reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, professionalism, and regulatory oversight. This comes as the country prepares to send 40,250 pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca, a number that has sparked controversy due to reports of excess entries. According to NAHCON, the reduction in the Hajj quota is a global phenomenon that has affected multiple countries, including Nigeria. The commission's chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, clarified that the adjustment is due to logistical capacity considerations and evolving regulatory measures by Saudi authorities. Yusuf urged state officials to correct public misconceptions suggesting that Nigeria was singled out for punishment. One of the key areas of focus for NAHCON is the health certification process. As of this year, intending pilgrims must undergo medical screenings at government-recognized hospitals, and their medical certificates must be digitally uploaded for verification. Private hospitals are no longer permitted to conduct Hajj certification, a move aimed at ensuring that pilgrims are properly screened before embarking on the journey. To make the process more efficient, NAHCON plans to establish a dedicated coordination platform to streamline medical processes nationwide. This will enable the commission to monitor the health certification process in real-time and ensure that pilgrims are properly screened. In another relief for intending pilgrims, the Yellow Card fee has been reduced from N5,000 to N2,000 for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The commission has also announced plans to work with Port Health Services to ensure that vaccination certificates are issued and authenticated directly, and to introduce stricter verification protocols, including biometric checks. Furthermore, NAHCON is set to monitor airline performance during Hajj operations, with underperforming carriers facing the possibility of having their pilgrims reassigned to better-performing carriers. This move is aimed at ensuring that pilgrims have a safe and comfortable journey to Mecca. Overall, the reforms announced by NAHCON are aimed at enhancing the Nigerian Hajj experience and ensuring that pilgrims have a safe and enjoyable journey. By prioritizing transparency, professionalism, and regulatory oversight, the commission is setting a new standard for Hajj operations in Nigeria.