NAHCON Seeks Gradual Implementation of Saudi’s New Hajj Business Model
By Faiza Musa Adamu
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced plans to adopt a phased implementation of the Saudi Arabia’s proposed business-to-business model for future Hajj operations, stating that an immediate transition to a private tour operator framework would be impractical and disruptive.
Chairman of the Commission, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yussuf, made this known while briefing journalists at the State House in Abuja after updating government officials on the proposed reforms introduced by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
According to the NAHCON Chairman, the Saudi authorities have officially communicated their intention to transfer about 98 per cent of Nigeria’s traditional public Hajj quota to private tour operators.
However, he stressed that such a significant reform cannot be implemented immediately due to Nigeria’s long-established Hajj administration structure.
NAHCON Seeks Gradual Implementation of Saudi’s New Hajj Business Model
Yussuf explained that for several decades, Hajj operations in Nigeria have been coordinated by NAHCON in partnership with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
He noted that an abrupt shift to a predominantly private sector-driven model would pose serious operational and economic challenges.
To address these concerns, the Commission has proposed a gradual implementation of the new policy to ensure a smooth transition while minimising the risks associated with such a major structural reform.
The position of the Commission was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Federal Government, Saudi authorities, State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, and other stakeholders to ensure that any reforms to Nigeria’s Hajj administration are implemented in a manner that safeguards the interests of Nigerian pilgrims and guarantees the continued efficiency of Hajj operations.
