By Stanley Onyekwere
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has expressed support for the proposed reforms by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, including the proposed migration of Nigeria’s national pilgrims’ quota to a Business-to-Business (B2B) tour operator model.
Mahmoud, who spoke during a policy communication engagement on the proposed reform, described the initiative as a clear and straightforward measure aimed at improving the efficiency and smooth operation of Hajj activities.
She said Nigeria, as a law-abiding country, would continue to respect and operate within the framework of reforms introduced by the Saudi authorities, while urging that adequate transition arrangements be put in place to enable stakeholders to adapt effectively.
The Minister particularly welcomed the proposed transition period, noting that a phased implementation would make it easier for Nigeria to adjust to the new system and ensure smoother Hajj operations.
Mahmoud commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the success recorded during the last Hajj operation, describing it as unprecedented in the history of Hajj administration in Nigeria.
According to a statement from the SA Media to FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue,
she emphasised the need for strict adherence to health requirements, particularly for pregnant women and pilgrims with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
She assured that relevant authorities would continue to strengthen medical screening and ensure compliance with established guidelines.
Mahmoud thanked the NAHCON delegation for the engagement and expressed optimism that continued collaboration among stakeholders would result in more efficient, successful, and sustainable Hajj operations in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Zonal Commissioner representing the North-Central Zone of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Muhammad Unaru Ndagi, said the Saudi authorities had indicated that 98 per cent of Nigeria’s Hajj quota would migrate to the B2B model from the 2027 Hajj, as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms.
He explained that while NAHCON supports reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery, an immediate 98 per cent migration was considered operationally unfeasible because of its potential impact on Nigeria’s existing Hajj administration, financial structures, and the affordability of pilgrimage for ordinary Nigerians.
Ndagi said the Commission had consequently engaged the Saudi authorities and secured a major concession on August 18, 2026, allowing for a phased 30 per cent migration for the 2027 Hajj, with further transition in subsequent years.
According to him, the phased approach would provide Nigeria with time to strengthen regulatory oversight, build the capacity of private tour operators, complete the necessary digitisation, and ensure an orderly transition without compromising pilgrims’ welfare.
He further disclosed that NAHCON had briefed the Vice President and engaged relevant state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, and senior government officials.
He added that diplomatic efforts with the Saudi authorities were ongoing to secure a mutually acceptable framework for the reforms.
Ndagi also drew the Minister’s attention to the strict timelines introduced by the Saudi authorities for Hajj preparations, noting that the final deadline for uploading pilgrims’ registration is September 26, 2026, with no extension expected.
He therefore sought the Minister’s urgent intervention to ensure that the FCT and other relevant stakeholders accord the highest priority to pilgrims’ registration, documentation, payment, and related processes in order to safeguard Nigeria’s Hajj arrangements and the interests of prospective pilgrims.
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