Nigeria’s traditional government-led Hajj administration may face a major restructuring ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage following a new policy by the Saudi Arabian authorities requiring about 98 per cent of Nigeria’s Hajj allocation to be processed through private operators.
The development has raised concerns among Nigerian Hajj authorities, with the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Sa’adu Hassan, warning that the proposed arrangement could significantly change how Nigerian pilgrims have traditionally organised their pilgrimage.
Hassan disclosed while briefing journalists on the outcome of a meeting of the board convened to review emerging developments and assess their implications for preparations for the 2027 Hajj.
He said the directive was communicated to the Nigerian government through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), describing it as a major development that requires careful consideration and adequate preparation.
According to him, the majority of Nigerian pilgrims have traditionally relied on government-supervised Hajj structures, which provide institutional oversight and coordination throughout the pilgrimage process.
He said moving almost the entire allocation to private operators could therefore present challenges, particularly for pilgrims who have become accustomed to dealing with government agencies and state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
“This is a Saudi policy and not a decision of the Nigerian government,” Hassan stressed, explaining that the Nigerian authorities were already considering the implications of the new arrangement.
He disclosed that NAHCON had approached the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to use diplomatic channels to engage the Saudi authorities on the possibility of introducing the policy through a gradual transition.
Hassan said Nigerian authorities were advocating a transition period of between one and three years to enable the government, Hajj authorities, private operators and intending pilgrims to properly adjust to the new system.
Such a phased approach, he explained, would provide sufficient time to develop the required structures, strengthen regulatory mechanisms and minimise possible disruptions to Nigerian pilgrims.
The Gombe official further explained that Saudi Arabia was increasingly moving towards a Business-to-Business (B2B) model in the provision of Hajj services, replacing the traditional government-to-business arrangement.
He said the emerging system would require Nigerian authorities and other stakeholders to begin preparations early, particularly in areas of regulation, coordination, pilgrim protection and service delivery.
Hassan also disclosed that NAHCON had urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards to commence preparations for the 2027 Hajj immediately, irrespective of the ongoing discussions over the implementation of the new policy.
He expressed optimism that diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia would result in a practical transition framework that would protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims and ensure that the country’s Hajj operations remain orderly, transparent and well coordinated.