By Soliu Oyesiji.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has hosted a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, for a strategic engagement with Nigerian Hajj stakeholders at the Hajj House in Abuja, aimed at improving coordination and service delivery for pilgrims.
The meeting brought together executive secretaries and chairmen of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, as well as executive directors and managers of private Hajj and Umrah tour operators.
Welcoming the delegation, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, described the engagement as a critical platform for direct interaction between Nigerian stakeholders and Saudi authorities to address operational challenges affecting Hajj and Umrah operations.
He said the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to seek clarification on policies, exchange views, and jointly resolve issues relating to pilgrimage operations.
The Saudi delegation commended Nigeria for improved compliance with Umrah regulations, noting a significant reduction in overstay cases and the country’s reclassification as a low-risk Umrah nation. They also acknowledged the steady rise in Nigeria’s Umrah participation, which has grown from about 25,000 to over 75,000 pilgrims annually.
Presenting an operational overview, the Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, identified major challenges facing Nigerian pilgrims, including Hajj quota reduction, visa unpredictability, accommodation constraints, transportation logistics, and Mashair services.
Elegushi noted that thousands of Nigerians who had completed payment were unable to perform Hajj due to limited slots, describing the issue as the most pressing concern for stakeholders.
In response, the Saudi Ministry assured participants that Nigeria’s request for a review of its Hajj quota would be escalated to higher authorities. The delegation also clarified that the Business-to-Business (B2B) Umrah model remains the primary operational framework for Nigerian tour operators, stressing that the Business-to-Consumer (B2C) platform does not replace existing structures.
A news update posted by Shafii Sani Mohammed and Abdul Abba of NAHCON Media Unit said Both sides acknowledged improvements in service standards, including enhanced accommodation, better bedding, improved catering, and strengthened transportation systems. Tour operators were advised to submit documented claims for refunds and unutilized funds through established reconciliation channels.
The engagement concluded with a vote of thanks by the Commissioner for Planning, Policy, Management and Finance, Prince Aliu Abdul-Razak, who appreciated the Saudi delegation for their openness and commitment to resolving stakeholders’ concerns, while reaffirming NAHCON’s readiness to adhere to agreed guidelines and sustain continuous engagement.
Stakeholders were also invited to participate in the Umrah and Ziyarah Forum scheduled to hold in Madinah on March 30, as part of efforts to further strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
