Nigerian pilgrims without hajj permit risk 10-year ban, says envoy

Ibrahim Umar, charge de affaires, Nigerian embassy in Riyad, says pilgrims performing the 2025 hajj without permit risk a fine of 100,000 riyals, deportation and 10-year ban.

The envoy spoke on Monday during the pre-Arafat stakeholders’ meeting convened by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah.

Umar said Saudi authorities have doubled the 2024 penalty and asked Nigerian pilgrims to obey the kingdom’s laws to avoid jeopardising their spiritual journey.

“We have very strong advice for our pilgrims. We need to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations of our hosts for the duration of our pilgrimage here,” he said.

“We should also let our people around here know that the Saudi authorities, this year, have sent very strong signals that Hajj without permit will not be condoned.

“They have raised the stake. Last year, the fine for illegally performing Hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals. But this time around, their message is 100,000 riyals, including deportation and being banned from the Kingdom for 10 years. So please, I urge you to tell our people all this.”

Umar also called on pilgrims to use the period to intercede for Nigeria and global peace.

On his part, Abdullahi Usman, chairman of NAHCON, said everyone involved in the hajj operations must remember that they are accountable to the pilgrims.