Hajj 2026: Bauchi Pilgrims Advised On Nusuk Cards, BTA, Travel Rules

The executive secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, has urged intending pilgrims to safeguard their Nusuk Cards while in Saudi Arabia, warning that loss of the card could result in deportation.

He explained that the Nusuk Card is a mandatory digital and physical identification card issued free of charge by Saudi authorities for the 2025/2026 Hajj.

According to him, the card serves as an official permit granting access to Makkah, the Grand Mosque, and other holy sites, including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. He added that it also facilitates essential services such as accommodation and transportation, and is accessible via the Nusuk platform.

Imam Idris disclosed this during a press briefing at his office in Bauchi on Wednesday, where he also announced a change in the departure time for the first batch of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj.

The flight is now scheduled to depart at 4:50 p.m. on 7 May, instead of the earlier 8:29 p.m., due to operational adjustments.

He stated that screening procedures will commence after the state Governor, Bala Mohammed, delivers the farewell address.

The Executive Secretary further advised pilgrims to secure their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to avoid loss.

He noted that pilgrims are required to pay for Hadaya (sacrificial offering) through Ja’iz Bank, at a cost of approximately N180,000.

He also appealed to the relatives of pilgrims to refrain from parking vehicles at the Hajj camp and airport, citing new security measures that restrict vehicular access to designated areas.

The inaugural flight will convey a total of 485 pilgrims, including 323 from Bauchi State and 162 from Plateau State.