The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has defended its allocation of 15,000 slots to private Hajj tour operators for the 2027 pilgrimage. According to NAHCON, the slots were allocated to duly licensed operators working under seven approved lead companies in accordance with Nigerian regulations and Saudi guidelines. This clarification comes amid allegations by some private Hajj operators that about 5,000 of the slots allocated to the private sector had been diverted. NAHCON has urged the seven private tour operators to comply with the latest requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The controversy surrounding the allocation of Hajj slots began after Saudi Arabia rejected Nigeria's request for additional slots for the 2027 Hajj, leaving the country with an approved quota of 50,000 pilgrims. The quota comprises 35,000 slots for state pilgrims and the Federal Capital Territory and 15,000 slots for licensed private Hajj tour operators. Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations, structural constraints at holy sites, and adherence to approved country quotas as reasons for not granting Nigeria additional slots.
NAHCON has clarified that the 15,000 private-sector slots were allocated to licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies. These companies are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and other relevant regulatory agencies, have undergone required regulatory processes, and are licensed by NAHCON to operate for the 2027 Hajj season. The commission emphasized that the participating companies are subject to the same regulatory framework, compliance obligations, sanctions, and disciplinary measures applicable to all licensed operators.
The 2027 Hajj preparations are taking place under a tighter digital and regulatory framework, with Saudi Arabia requiring participating countries and operators to complete key processes within prescribed timelines. The Saudi authorities have set a deadline of September 26, 2026, for uploading prospective pilgrims' biometric and registration details on the Nusuk-Masar platform. NAHCON has no power to extend this deadline, as it was set by the Saudi authorities.
NAHCON has rejected allegations of slot diversion, saying no evidence has been presented to establish that the allocation violated Saudi regulations, the commission's guidelines, or any applicable policy governing Hajj operations in Nigeria. The commission's Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed, signed a rejoinder stating that the allegations appear designed to shift attention away from the inability of certain operators to comply with strict regulatory requirements, timelines, and digital upload obligations.
The controversy appears fundamentally commercial in nature, with Hajj operations constituting a significant economic enterprise involving hundreds of operators competing for a finite number of slots. Those who perceive themselves as losing market share may naturally seek avenues to challenge decisions that affect their commercial interests. Viewed from this perspective, the dispute appears less about protecting pilgrims and more about competition within the Hajj industry.
NAHCON has urged stakeholders to separate verifiable facts from speculation and legitimate concerns from narratives driven by vested commercial interests. The commission remains committed to ensuring that the 2027 Hajj exercise is conducted in accordance with Saudi regulations and Nigerian guidelines. With the deadline for uploading pilgrims' biometric and registration details looming, NAHCON has emphasized the need for licensed operators to comply with the requirements to avoid any disruptions.
Key points
- NAHCON allocated 15,000 Hajj slots to private tour operators in accordance with Nigerian regulations and Saudi guidelines.
- The Saudi authorities set a deadline of September 26, 2026, for uploading prospective pilgrims' biometric and registration details on the Nusuk-Masar platform.
- The controversy surrounding the allocation of Hajj slots appears fundamentally commercial in nature, with competing interests within the Hajj industry.
