A Saudi-based service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah (also known as Sana), has announced plans to ensure that all Nigerian pilgrims receive their NUSUK cards before departing for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The NUSUK card, issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, serves as an official identification document for pilgrims. It is required for access to the holy sites, transportation services, and emergency healthcare support during Hajj.
The company’s Head of Nigerian Operations for the 2026 Hajj, Mr. Muhammad Kamil Kalantan, made this known in a statement released through its media office in Abuja.
Kalantan noted that during the 2026 Hajj season, only pilgrims from Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) received their NUSUK cards while still in Nigeria, out of the 36 states and the FCT.
He explained that the company had deployed personnel to Nigeria ahead of the 2026 exercise to test and implement the onshore issuance of the cards, following challenges experienced in the 2025 pilgrimage.
According to him, the pilot arrangement helped improve the process significantly, allowing Lagos and FCT pilgrims to obtain their cards before travelling to Saudi Arabia, which made their entry and movement smoother.
He added that based on the success recorded, the company has resolved to extend the arrangement to cover all Nigerian pilgrims in the 2027 Hajj season.
Kalantan said the early issuance of the NUSUK card would simplify Hajj operations, enabling pilgrims to complete airport procedures, transport arrangements, and accommodation access with minimal delays through quick barcode verification.
He further explained that timely access to the card would also improve pilgrims’ experience across services such as feeding, healthcare, transportation, and movement between holy sites.
The official expressed appreciation to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and state pilgrims’ boards and agencies for their cooperation during the 2026 Hajj operation.
He described the coordination between NAHCON leadership, state officials, and service providers as effective and instrumental to the success of the pilgrimage exercise.
Kalantan attributed the improved outcome of the 2026 Hajj to strong collaboration, effective management, and commitment from all stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s Hajj administration.