With less than three weeks to the commencement of the 2025 Hajj airlift, uncertainty surrounds the availability of Tent A accommodation in Mina for Nigerian VIP pilgrims.
The issue has sparked concern among Hajj stakeholders, particularly private tour operators, prompting the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) to officially request urgent clarification from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Tent A, known for its prime location near Jamarat and upgraded facilities, is considered a premium option for pilgrims. However, according to insider sources, only 150 Tent A spaces were secured through Rawaf Mina Company, despite over 2,000 requests submitted by private operators.
This has led to fears that Nigerian VIP pilgrims may be downgraded to Tent D or Zone 5, far from the central Jamarat area. “I don’t see where we can book Tent A at this time with less than 20 days left,” said a concerned operator familiar with the process.
In a communication obtained by Hajj Reporters, AHUON wrote to NAHCON seeking detailed clarification on the availability, allocation process, and criteria for Tent A distribution. The association emphasised transparency and fairness, warning that a lack of clarity could affect proper planning and service delivery to pilgrims.
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, had previously announced that the commission had secured 1,000 Tent A bed spaces, with hopes for further allocation under the Tent A Plus category. He made this known during a meeting with private tour operators in Makkah, where he urged them to express interest and collaborate for a smooth operation.
Despite this announcement, Saudi-based service provider Ithraa Al-Joud Company, contracted by AHUON, revealed that all VIP Tent A spaces had already been fully booked by another country. In a message to Nigerian operators, the company said the only available area now is Zone 5, offering reduced space and less proximity to Jamarat.
This revelation has raised questions about NAHCON’s earlier claims and whether any Tent A slots remain accessible to private tour operators. The conflicting accounts between the NAHCON, private tour operators and Saudi-based service providers have left operators and intending pilgrims confused and anxious.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, during a recent visit to NAHCON, expressed concern over VIP space management and urged the commission to ensure equitable distribution of premium tents among states and operators. He also pledged support from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to assist with fare payments and coordination.
An impeccable source disclosed that “the issue of TENT A will create much bigger confusion than what we experienced in 2024.
“Last year, some tour operators couldn’t upgrade their TENT D visa to the TENT A package, while others who successfully booked TENT A had problems getting their pilgrims inside the TENT A on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
This year, the TENT A is not even available for booking, and no one in the industry can categorically tell you what is going on”.’
As tension rises, industry observers say NAHCON must provide immediate and unambiguous answers. “The credibility of this year’s Hajj logistics hinges on transparency,” an operator remarked.
AHUON’s letter is seen as a step toward avoiding a repeat of the 2024 Tent A confusion and ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive the value promised in their travel packages. Stakeholders now await a formal response from NAHCON clarifying the true status of Tent A availability for 2025.
