Just as this year, a fresh controversy has erupted over the selection of Hajj service providers for private tour operators to serve intending pilgrims from Nigeria.
Some operators accused the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) of imposing service providers on them for the 2026 Hajj. The same allegations were levied against the commission by the tour operators ahead of this year’s hajj operation, which forced some of them to withdraw from participating in the exercise.
According to an Insider, the disagreement began after NAHCON directed both the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) and the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators of Nigeria (HUTUON) to submit their preferred service providers for Masha’ir operations.
AHUON nominated Ithraa AlJoud, while HUTUON opted for Rawaf Mina, who handled most private pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj.
NAHCON reportedly objected to AHUON’s choice, citing a past petition by AHUON against Ithraa AlKhair and Ithraa AlJoud, which led the House of Representatives to direct the commission not to patronize either company.
Following the deadlock, NAHCON instructed individual operators to submit their preferences. While a majority of AHUON members selected AlRifadah Company for Pilgrims Services, others — particularly HUTUON members — reaffirmed support for Rawaf Mina.
Documents seen by Hajj Reporters show that Rawaf Mina offered Tent D packages at SR3,100, Tent D+ at SR3,400, and Tent A at SR7,000, while AlRifadah priced Tent D+ at SR5,790 and Tent A at SR10,401 – higher than the price of RAWAF Mina.
However, NAHCON was said to have later introduced a new company, Bushra Hospitality Co, which neither AHUON nor HUTUON had selected. Bushra’s rates are: Tent A+ at SR19,000, Tent A at SR8,855, and Tent D at SR3,900.
However, a private tour company CEO explained that the issue of the rate is secondary. He said the ability of Companies to deliver excellent services should be the yardstick to pick a service provider.
NAHCON defended its decision, explaining that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah allows each country to contract only two service providers—one for state pilgrims and one for private operators. Since AHUON, HUTUON, and other independent operators could not reach a consensus, NAHCON sought a neutral company from the Saudi authorities to meet the deadline.
If we opt for AHUON’s choice, what happened to HUTUON and other Companies that pick different service providers? Again, what happens to AHUON and other Companies if NAHCON approves HUTUON preference? This is why we asked the Saudi Ministry of Hajj to give us a neutral service provider.
A senior commission source said the move was necessary to avoid missing the signing deadline. While some operators insisted that NAHCON’s decision violated the directive of the vice president to retain 2025 Hajj service providers for consistency.
