The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned Nigerian private tour operators participating in this year’s Hajj against any dealings that could endanger pilgrim welfare or violate Saudi Arabian regulations.
The warning, issued in a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, and released to reporters on June 2 from Saudi Arabia, follows reports that certain operators are engaging third parties for premium Tent A+ services beyond the Commission’s prior arrangements.
Therefore, the Hajj Commission stated it would not be accountable for any consequences from arrangements made outside its recognised channels.
While announcing that it was unable to get Saudi authorities to reopen their visa portal even for one hour to enable stranded Nigerian intending pilgrims to secure visas for this year’s Hajj, NAHCON consoled the affected individuals to have faith, “knowing that Hajj is an answer to Allah’s call”.
Despite concerted efforts to get the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to consider re-opening the visa portal even for an hour, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is saddened that this was not achieved.
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“In light of the above, NAHCON wishes to console those affected by the visa closure and encourage them to have faith, knowing that Hajj is an answer to Allah’s call.
“However, it is also advised that all intending pilgrims should always plan for their Hajj ahead of deadlines to avoid disappointments,” Usara stated.
According to her, to prevent Nigerian intending pilgrims from missing this year’s Hajj, NAHCON intervened in February by securing Masha’ir (holy sites) slots for its Hajj coordinators in the public and private sectors.
She added that from the beginning of Hajj registration to date, NAHCON has facilitated four deadline extensions, beginning with Hajj fare remittance and ending with visa issuance.
“Yet, despite several warnings signalling the end of visa issuance by April 19, 2025, with its attendant consequences, some intending pilgrims came late with their Hajj payments.
“Out of consideration following numerous requests for the Commission to continue accepting Hajj fares, NAHCON formally requested an extension of visa processing, which was graciously approved.
“However, further access to visa issuance has been blocked since May 19, 2025. The one-month extension from 19th April provided much-needed relief for some State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards that were still accepting late payments and tour operators who were still finalising travel and accommodation plans for their clients.
“Hence, the visa suspension affected 2,717 late registration pilgrims from both sides. By the time of visa blockage, 13,217 visas were granted to tour operator companies out of 14,158 registered pilgrims, indicating strong participation from the private Hajj sector.
“Notwithstanding, NAHCON went further within its legal means to accommodate more pilgrims from licensed operators, further boosting the operators’ capacity.
“Despite these gains, information has reached NAHCON that certain operators are engaging third parties for premium Tent A+ services outside the Commission’s prior arrangements.
“Hence, NAHCON recognises only Rawaf Mina Company as the sole authorised provider for Tent A+ services during the 2025 Hajj.
“Therefore, NAHCON will not be held responsible for the consequences of any arrangements made outside of this recognised channel.
“Tour operators are therefore strongly urged not to engage in dealings that could compromise the welfare of their pilgrims or violate Saudi regulations.”
NAHCON then urged all stakeholders to align their operations with officially endorsed guidelines.
The Commission assured that it would continue to engage relevant Saudi authorities to safeguard the interests of Nigerian pilgrims and ensure that both private and public sector operators deliver services that meet international standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is NAHCON warning private Hajj tour operators about?
NAHCON is warning private Hajj tour operators against engaging in dealings outside the Commission’s recognised channels, particularly regarding premium Tent A+ services, as this could compromise pilgrims’ welfare or violate Saudi Arabian regulations.
Will the Saudi visa portal be reopened for stranded Nigerian pilgrims?
NAHCON has stated that despite their efforts, they could not get Saudi authorities to reopen the visa portal for stranded Nigerian intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.
What is NAHCON’s advice to those who missed this year’s Hajj due to visa issues?
NAHCON consoles those affected and advises them to have faith, knowing that “Hajj is an answer to Allah’s call.” They also recommend all intending pilgrims plan for future Hajj pilgrimages to avoid disappointments.
Which company is the only authorised provider of Tent A+ services, according to NAHCON?
NAHCON recognises only Rawaf Mina Company as the sole authorised provider for Tent A+ services during the 2025 Hajj.
How many Hajj visas were granted to tour operator companies?
By the time of the visa blockage, 13,217 visas were granted to tour operator companies out of 14,158 registered pilgrims.
