By Shafii Sani Mohammed / Abdul Abba The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has intensified its engagement with key stakeholders by hosting a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah at the Hajj House in Abuja to deliberate on operational issues affecting Hajj and Umrah services for Nigerian pilgrims.
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The strategic meeting brought together Executive Secretaries and Chairmen of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, as well as Executive Directors and Managers of licensed Private Tour Operator Companies, to enhance coordination, address challenges, and improve service delivery.
While welcoming the Saudi delegation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, described the engagement as a crucial avenue for direct dialogue between Nigerian stakeholders and Saudi authorities.
According to him, the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to gain firsthand clarification on Saudi policies, exchange views, and collaboratively resolve operational bottlenecks associated with Hajj and Umrah operations.
Members of the Saudi delegation commended Nigeria for its improved compliance with Umrah regulations, noting a significant decline in overstay cases. They disclosed that Nigeria has consequently been reclassified as a low-risk Umrah country. The delegation also acknowledged the steady growth in Umrah participation by Nigerians, which has risen from about 25,000 to over 75,000 pilgrims annually.
In an operational briefing, the Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, outlined key challenges facing stakeholders, including Hajj quota reduction, visa unpredictability, limited accommodation, transportation logistics, and Mashair services.
He noted that thousands of Nigerians who have fully paid for Hajj are unable to perform the pilgrimage due to insufficient allocation, describing the situation as one of the most pressing concerns confronting the industry.
Responding, the Saudi Ministry assured stakeholders that Nigeria’s request for a review of its Hajj quota would be forwarded to higher authorities for consideration. 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 improvements in service standards, including better accommodation facilities, upgraded bedding, improved catering, and enhanced transportation services. Tour operators were advised to channel documented claims for refunds and unutilized funds through established reconciliation mechanisms.
The meeting 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 adhere to agreed guidelines and sustain continuous engagement.
Participants were also invited to attend the forthcoming Umrah and Ziyarah Forum scheduled to hold in Madinah on 30 March, further strengthening collaboration between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The engagement was attended by NAHCON Commissioners, management staff, Hajj stakeholders, and members of the media.