The Deputy Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Umar Usman Kadafur, has received a delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by its North-East Commissioner, Alhaji Abba Jato, on a courtesy visit to the state.
The visit focused on the latest reforms introduced by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah ahead of the 2027 Hajj, as well as the implications for Nigeria and the states participating in the annual pilgrimage.
Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Abba Jato said the Saudi authorities had introduced a major shift in the administration of Hajj, moving from the traditional government-to-government arrangement towards a private tour operator model known as Business-to-Business (B2B).
According to him, the Saudi authorities initially proposed that about 98 per cent of Nigeria’s Hajj quota should immediately be transferred to the new system.
He explained that NAHCON resisted the proposal, arguing that an abrupt transition would disrupt Nigeria’s existing financial and administrative structures and could make Hajj significantly more expensive for ordinary Nigerian pilgrims.
Jato said negotiations with the Saudi authorities eventually resulted in a concession allowing only 30 per cent of Nigeria’s quota to transition to the new model in 2027, providing a three-year window for a gradual transition.
He, however, stressed that the transition comes with strict deadlines set by the Saudi authorities.
Of particular importance, he said, is the deadline of 26 September 2026 for the uploading of all pilgrims’ registration data, stressing that no extension would be granted.
The commissioner also highlighted the need for full compliance with the Saudi Ministry of Health requirements, including the provision of valid health fitness certificates.
He noted that pilgrims suffering from certain serious medical conditions, including major organ failure, severe neurological or psychiatric conditions, pregnancy, and active infectious diseases, would not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage under the new health requirements.
Jato further disclosed that the issuance of visas for Hajj officials would be subject to the completion of mandatory training and acquisition of the required professional qualifications.
He also announced new medical staffing requirements for Hajj 2027, which include a minimum ratio of 1.5 doctors and 1.7 nurses per 1,000 pilgrims.
Responding, Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur said the Borno State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, remained committed to ensuring the successful conduct of Hajj operations.
He assured the NAHCON delegation that the state government would direct the Borno State Pilgrims Welfare Commission and other relevant stakeholders to give the registration, documentation and payment processes the highest priority.
Kadafur stressed the importance of meeting the Saudi deadline, warning that failure to comply could put the state’s allocated Hajj slots at risk.
He acknowledged the peculiar challenges confronting Borno State, particularly its proximity to neighbouring countries and the long-standing role the state has played as a gateway for pilgrims from the region.
The Deputy Governor expressed optimism that, with effective coordination between the state government, the pilgrims’ welfare authorities and NAHCON, Borno could emerge as a model for the successful implementation of the new Hajj administration system.
He said the state would strive to demonstrate to Nigeria and the Saudi authorities that the transition to the new era of Hajj management could be achieved without leaving any Nigerian pilgrim behind.