By Pelumi Adesokan
The Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN), established by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), will on Monday begin a two-day training programme for management and operational staff of licensed Hajj and Umrah tour operators to improve service delivery ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
The programme, titled Professional Certificate in Hajj/Umrah Operations and Pilgrims Service Management, is themed “Professionalising Hajj and Umrah Operations: Enhancing Regulatory Compliance, Operational Excellence and Pilgrim Satisfaction.”
According to the programme announcement by the institute’s Registrar, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jalingo, the training will focus on professional ethics, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, pilgrims’ welfare and lessons from the 2026 Hajj.
The sessions will also examine operational challenges and regulatory breaches recorded during the 2026 pilgrimage, with discussions on measures to improve coordination and efficiency for the 2027 exercise.
The training will feature presentations by experts, including Bashir M. Bugaje, Dr Aliyu Tanko, Professor Ahmad Bello Dogarawa and Dr Bala Muhammad, alongside panel discussions involving NAHCON officials and representatives of Hajj and Umrah operators.
The institute said participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a Professional Certificate in Hajj/Umrah Operations and Pilgrims Service Management.
A separate executive programme for chief executives, executive directors and senior leaders of licensed tour operators is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28. It will focus on strategic leadership, business-to-business partnerships and operational excellence ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
The executive programme will examine the emerging Saudi Hajj business-to-business model, strategic partnerships with Saudi service providers, contract management, regulatory compliance and commercial competitiveness.
The training comes as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 Hajj and seeks to strengthen the capacity of tour operators to meet regulatory requirements and improve services for pilgrims.
