NAHCON, SAUDI MINISTRY OF HAJJ AND UMRAH ENGAGE NIGERIAN STAKEHOLDERS ON OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified efforts to improve Hajj and Umrah operations as it hosted a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah at the Hajj House in Abuja.
The strategic engagement brought together key Hajj stakeholders, including Executive Secretaries and Chairmen of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, as well as Executive Directors and Managers of licensed Private Tour Operator Companies, with the aim of strengthening coordination and enhancing service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
Welcoming the delegation, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, described the meeting as a critical platform for direct interaction between Nigerian stakeholders and Saudi authorities.
According to him, the engagement offered stakeholders the opportunity to seek clarification on policies, address operational concerns, and jointly work towards improving the overall Hajj and Umrah experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
The Saudi delegation commended Nigeria for improved compliance with Umrah regulations, noting a significant reduction in overstay cases. They disclosed that Nigeria has been reclassified as a low-risk Umrah country and acknowledged the steady rise in Umrah participation, which has grown from about 25,000 to over 75,000 pilgrims annually.
During an operational briefing, NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, outlined major challenges facing stakeholders, including Hajj quota reduction, visa unpredictability, accommodation constraints, transportation issues, and Mashair services.
He revealed that thousands of Nigerians who have fully paid for Hajj are unable to participate due to limited slots, describing the situation as the commission’s most pressing concern.
In response, the Saudi Ministry assured stakeholders that Nigeria’s request for a review of its Hajj quota would be forwarded to higher authorities. The delegation also clarified that the Business-to-Business (B2B) Umrah model remains the primary operational framework for Nigerian tour operators, stressing that the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) platform does not replace existing arrangements.
Both parties acknowledged improvements in service standards, including better accommodation, upgraded bedding, improved catering, and enhanced transportation systems. Tour operators were advised to submit documented claims for refunds and unutilized funds through established reconciliation channels.
The engagement concluded with a vote of thanks by the Commissioner for Planning, Policy, Management and Finance (PPMF), Prince Aliu Abdul-Razak, who expressed appreciation to the Saudi delegation for their openness and commitment to addressing stakeholders’ concerns. He reaffirmed NAHCON’s readiness to comply with agreed guidelines and sustain continuous engagement.
Participants were also invited to attend the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum scheduled to hold in Madinah on 30 March, further strengthening collaboration between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The meeting was attended by NAHCON commissioners, management staff, Hajj stakeholders, and members of the media.
