The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has dismissed claims that it sought contract rollover approval for 2026 Hajj service providers, stating that no such request was made to the Bureau of Public Procurement. The Commission explained that emergency timelines set by Saudi authorities guided its decision and stressed that performance reviews, not automatic renewal, will determine provider engagement for the coming pilgrimage.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has dismissed reports that it sought contract rollover approval for the 2026 Hajj, describing the claims as misleading and incorrect. The clarification came in a statement made available to Hajj Gazette, in which the Commission responded to growing speculation about the status of service providers for next year’s pilgrimage.
According to the statement, the Commission did not request the Bureau of Public Procurement to extend or renew contracts awarded for the 2025 exercise. It stressed that the decision not to commence a full bidding process for some services was informed by timing constraints and legal provisions for emergency procurement.
“The Saudi Hajj calendar is fixed and applies to all countries. When that calendar is issued, it sets strict deadlines. The Commission must work within those timelines. The legal framework permits emergency procurement when there is insufficient time for a full tender process,” the statement said.
The Commission referenced Section 43 of the Public Procurement Act, which allows emergency procurement in situations where standard advertising and tendering cannot be completed due to time limitations.
It also clarified that the approach does not grant automatic renewal or continuation of contract terms for providers engaged in 2025. “There is no automatic rollover. We have carried out performance reviews and service assessments. Providers will be considered based on compliance, capacity, and the quality of service delivered in 2025,” the Commission noted.
Officials warned that public commentary suggesting contract rollover approval risks misinforming stakeholders and misrepresenting procurement decisions. “We will not allow the emergency nature of Hajj preparations to be turned into grounds for misinformation,” the statement added.
The Commission stated that service providers with genuine concerns should use formal channels to seek clarification and explore dispute resolution options rather than rely on public allegations.
It also restated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of pilgrim welfare, describing these as the guiding principles for engagement with contractors.
“Hajj operations demand accurate information, cooperation, and professional conduct. The Commission remains open to partners willing to support the successful delivery of the 2026 pilgrimage,” the statement concluded.
