Nigeria has successfully negotiated a phased 30% transition for its Hajj quota as Saudi Arabia plans to move 98% of the country’s pilgrimage allocation to private tour operators starting in 2027.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) opposed the immediate shift to a Business-to-Business (B2B) model, which could disrupt the current Hajj system and raise costs for ordinary pilgrims.
The concession was secured following discussions with Saudi officials on August 18, 2026.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, endorsed the reforms, advocating for a smooth transition to support Nigerian stakeholders.
She highlighted that the phased implementation will allow for necessary adjustments and strengthen the regulation of private tour operators.
NAHCON officials, including Prof. Muhammad Unaru Ndagi, reported that discussions are ongoing with Saudi authorities to finalize the transition plans.
They emphasized the importance of timely registration and documentation for Nigerian pilgrims, as the deadline for uploading registration details is September 26, 2026.
Mahmoud praised NAHCON’s achievements in the previous Hajj operation, branding the success as unprecedented.
She also stressed the need for strict compliance with health guidelines, particularly for vulnerable pilgrims.
The minister reiterated that collaboration among federal and state authorities will enhance Hajj operations in the future.