NAHCON: Saudi Ministry of Hajj And Umrah Engage Stakeholders On Operational Issues.
NAHCON: Saudi Ministry of Hajj And Umrah Engage Stakeholders On Operational Issues.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has hosted a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, at the Hajj House, Abuja, as part of its ongoing engagement with key Hajj stakeholders aimed at strengthening coordination and improving service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
Among the stakeholders in attendance were the Chairman of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, and the Permanent Secretary of the Agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar JJ, who actively participated in the deliberations alongside Executive Secretaries and Chairmen of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, as well as Executive Directors and Managers of Private Tour Operator Companies.
Welcoming the Saudi delegation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, described the meeting as a critical platform for direct interaction between Nigerian Hajj stakeholders and Saudi authorities.
According to him, the engagement provides an opportunity for State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, tour operators, and other stakeholders to seek clarification on policies and jointly address operational challenges affecting Hajj and Umrah operations.
The Saudi delegation commended Nigeria for its improved compliance with Umrah regulations, noting a significant reduction in overstay cases, which has resulted in Nigeria being reclassified as a low-risk Umrah country.
They also acknowledged the steady increase in Nigeria’s Umrah participation, which has grown from about 25,000 to over 75,000 pilgrims annually.
Presenting an operational briefing, the Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, outlined major challenges confronting stakeholders, including Hajj quota reduction, visa unpredictability, accommodation constraints, transportation logistics, and Mashair services.
He noted that thousands of Nigerians who have completed their payments are still unable to perform Hajj due to limited slots, describing the issue as one of the most pressing concerns facing the industry.
In response, the Saudi Ministry assured participants that Nigeria’s request for a review of its Hajj quota would be escalated to higher authorities.
The delegation further 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 sides acknowledged notable 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 the appropriate reconciliation channels.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered 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, while reaffirming 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 reinforcing cooperation between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The engagement was attended by NAHCON Commissioners, management staff, Hajj stakeholders, representatives of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, and members of the media.
