NAHCON TRAINS HAJJ OPERATORS AHEAD OF 2027 PILGRIMAGE
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has begun training licensed Hajj and Umrah tour operators ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
A statement by NAHCON’s Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed, says the training aims to improve professional standards and pilgrim services.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the training was timely, as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms and the emerging business-to-business model are expected to increase private-sector responsibilities in Hajj operations.
He disclosed that NAHCON had secured a three-year phased transition arrangement with the Saudi authorities, beginning with thirty per cent private-sector participation in 2027. He said the arrangement would give Nigeria time to strengthen its regulatory framework and prepare operators for their expanded responsibilities.
Ambassador Yusuf urged operators to maintain professional standards, stressing that pilgrims’ welfare must take priority over commercial interests.
