Saudi Arabian Hajj service provider Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah (Sana) has announced that All Nigerian pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj will receive their NUSUK cards before leaving the country.
The company said the move would reduce delays and improve the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
The announcement was made by Muhammad Kamil Kalantan, Head of Nigerian Operations for the 2026 Hajj, during an interview in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Kalantan said the company introduced a pilot programme ahead of the 2026 Hajj. The initiative allowed pilgrims from Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to receive their NUSUK cards before travelling.
He explained that the decision followed challenges experienced by Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj.
“We observed the difficulties Nigerian pilgrims faced in 2025 due to NUSUK card issuance. We therefore deployed our staff to Nigeria to test and operationalise the programme,” he said.
According to him, the trial was successful and provided a model for a nationwide rollout.
Kalantan described the NUSUK card as a key part of modern Hajj management.
He said early issuance would make arrival procedures easier for pilgrims.
“With the card, pilgrims can move smoothly from airports in Madinah or Jeddah to their accommodations after a simple barcode scan,” he said.
The card also gives pilgrims easier access to essential services. These include transportation, accommodation, healthcare, meals, and movement within the holy sites.
The Saudi service provider also praised the cooperation between Nigerian and Saudi Hajj officials.
Kalantan commended the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) under Ambassador Ismail Abbas Yusuf.
He also appreciated the Forum of State Chief Executive Officers of Muslim Pilgrims Boards, Agencies and Commissions led by Malam Idris Almakura.
He said their coordination contributed greatly to the success of the 2026 Hajj operation.
“The excellent coordination and mutual understanding displayed by NAHCON and state pilgrims’ officials have been outstanding,” he said.
The nationwide distribution of NUSUK cards before departure is expected to make the 2027 Hajj smoother for Nigerian pilgrims.
The initiative will reduce administrative delays and help pilgrims access services more efficiently throughout the pilgrimage.
