NAHCON to Phase Implementation of Hajj Tour Operator Model

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by Chairman Ambassador Ismail Abba Yussuf, stated that the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's proposal to shift 98% of Nigeria's traditional public Hajj quota to a private tour operator model will be executed in phases. Yussuf communicated this on Friday during a press briefing at the State House in Abuja.

He expressed concerns that the abrupt transition would disrupt the established public administration system managed by NAHCON and state Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. The commission received an official policy communication from Saudi authorities regarding this decision but emphasized that a phased implementation is necessary due to significant economic and operational risks.

Yussuf warned that this structural shift could undermine existing government-to-government agreements, weaken the role of state Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, and negatively impact the affordability and accessibility of Hajj for ordinary Nigerian pilgrims. NAHCON supports Saudi Arabia's digital transformation agenda but insists on a carefully managed transition through mutual consultation.