NAHCON, Saudi Hajj Ministry Strengthen Ties to Improve Pilgrim Experience
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah at the Hajj House, Abuja, in a strategic session aimed at enhancing coordination and service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
The meeting brought together key Hajj stakeholders, including executive secretaries and chairpersons of state pilgrims’ welfare boards, as well as executive directors and managers of private tour operator companies.
The goal was to provide a platform for direct engagement with Saudi authorities to address operational challenges and streamline Hajj and Umrah services.
Welcoming the delegation, NAHCON Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, described the session as an important avenue for stakeholders to seek clarifications, raise concerns, and collaborate with the Saudi Ministry on improving pilgrims’ experiences.
The Saudi delegation praised Nigeria’s compliance with Umrah regulations, noting a significant reduction in overstay cases and recognising Nigeria’s reclassification as a low-risk Umrah country.
They also highlighted the growth in Nigerian Umrah participation, which has surged from around 25,000 to more than 75,000 pilgrims annually.
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In an operational briefing, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, outlined persistent challenges, including Hajj quota limitations, visa unpredictability, accommodation shortages, transportation, and Mashair services.
“Thousands of Nigerians who have completed payments are still unable to perform Hajj due to insufficient slots. This remains our top concern,” Elegushi stated.
The Saudi delegation responded by promising to escalate Nigeria’s request for a Hajj quota review to higher authorities.
They also emphasised that the Business-to-Business (B2B) Umrah model remains the primary framework for tour operators, noting that the B2C platform does not replace existing arrangements.
Both sides acknowledged improvements in service delivery, such as upgraded accommodations, enhanced catering, better bedding, and strengthened transport systems.
Tour operators were advised to submit documented claims for refunds or unutilised funds through official reconciliation channels.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks from NAHCON’s Commissioner for Planning, Policy, Management, and Finance, Prince Aliu Abdul-Razak, who commended the Saudi delegation for their transparency and commitment to addressing stakeholder concerns.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s dedication to following agreed guidelines and maintaining continuous engagement.
Stakeholders were also invited to participate in the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum in Madinah on 30 March, further reinforcing collaboration between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON commissioners, management staff, Hajj stakeholders, and media representatives attended the engagement.
