The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 Hajj licence and slot allocation for duly registered travel agencies across the country.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s management, NAHCON invited interested agencies to submit their applications online via the Hajj Licensing Portal (stos.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng), with the process scheduled to close on 15th September, 2025.
To qualify, agencies must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with a minimum share capital of ₦30 million, have valid IATA approval, accredited staff, and a functional corporate office.
Applicants must also have previous experience in Hajj or Umrah operations, with at least four years of satisfactory Umrah service.
The application requires a non-refundable fee of ₦300,000 and a refundable security deposit of ₦50 million in line with Section 16 (4) of the NAHCON Act, 2006. Successful applicants will subsequently pay a licence fee of ₦1 million and are expected to present comprehensive details of their proposed Hajj package, confirmed accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, as well as evidence of airlift arrangements with approved carriers.
Accommodation standards stipulate hotels of not less than three-star rating, with proximity to the Holy Mosques within Markaziyyah in Madinah, and not more than one kilometre from the Haram in Makkah. Where accommodation exceeds two kilometres, shuttle buses must be provided.
Applicants must also upload supporting documents, including audited accounts for the last three years, valid tax clearance certificates, VAT remittances, and affidavits on directors.
Agencies are further required to update records with NAHCON in case of changes in corporate status, addresses, or Hajj administrative staff.
NAHCON stressed that all applications would undergo strict scrutiny and warned that companies indebted to the Commission or with unresolved complaints would not be considered. It also reminded agencies that failure to present accommodation for inspection by 2nd December, 2025, may lead to disqualification.
Additionally, NAHCON cautioned that travel agencies would be held responsible if pilgrims under their care violated Saudi Arabian immigration laws, absconded after Hajj, or suffered losses due to negligence in travel or accommodation arrangements.
The Commission reiterated that allocations will depend on the availability of slots and the past performance of companies, adding that payments must be made strictly through corporate accounts.
NAHCON also set 4th January, 2026, as the deadline for Masha’ir camp booking.