Saudi Arabia Moves To Shift 98% Of Nigeria’s Hajj Quota To Private Operators

Saudi Arabia has proposed migrating 98 percent of Nigeria’s annual Hajj quota to a Business-to-Business (B2B) tour operator model from the 2027 pilgrimage, prompting Nigeria to negotiate a phased implementation of the reform.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it secured a concession from the Saudi authorities to migrate only 30 percent of the quota to the B2B model for the 2027 Hajj, with further migration expected in subsequent years.

The disclosure was made during a policy communication engagement with the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, on Thursday.

The Zonal Commissioner representing the North-Central Zone of NAHCON, Muhammad Ndagi, said the proposed 98 percent migration was part of reforms being implemented by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under its Vision 2030 programme.

According to Ndagi, an immediate transition of 98 percent of Nigeria’s Hajj quota to private tour operators would be operationally difficult because of its potential impact on the country’s existing Hajj administration, financial structures and the affordability of pilgrimage for ordinary Nigerians.

He said NAHCON has therefore engaged the Saudi authorities and secured the phased transition arrangement on August 18, 2026.

“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,” Ndagi said.

He added that NAHCON has briefed Vice President Kashim Shettima and engaged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and other senior government officials over the proposed reform.

Ndagi said diplomatic discussions with the Saudi authorities were also continuing in an effort to establish a mutually acceptable framework for the implementation of the new system.

Responding to the proposed reform, Mahmoud expressed support for the Saudi authorities’ initiative, describing it as a measure capable of improving the efficiency and administration of Hajj operations.

The minister said Nigeria, as a law-abiding country, would continue to respect reforms introduced by Saudi Arabia, but stressed the need for adequate transition arrangements to enable stakeholders to adjust to the new system.

She particularly welcomed the phased implementation, saying it would give Nigeria sufficient time to adapt while ensuring that Hajj operations remained smooth.

Mahmoud also commended NAHCON for what she described as an unprecedented success recorded during the last Hajj operation.

The minister, however, stressed the importance of strict compliance with health requirements for Nigerian pilgrims, particularly pregnant women and those living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

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She said relevant authorities would continue to strengthen medical screening and ensure compliance with established health guidelines.

Meanwhile, Ndagi warned that Nigeria was facing a tight deadline for preparations for the 2027 Hajj.

He said Saudi authorities had fixed September 26, 2026 as the deadline for uploading pilgrims’ registration details, with no extension expected.

He consequently appealed to the FCT minister of state to urgently intervene and ensure that the FCT and other relevant stakeholders prioritise pilgrims’ registration, documentation and payment processes.

According to him, meeting the deadline is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s Hajj arrangements and protecting the interests of prospective pilgrims.