NAHCON trains private tour operators ahead of 2027 hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has trained licensed hajj and Umrah operators to improve service delivery ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.

In a statement, Shafii Mohammed, head of NAHCON’s information and publications division, said the two-day training, held on October 26 and 27 in Kano and Lagos, focused on regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and pilgrims’ welfare.

Mohammed said the programme, organised by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in collaboration with the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) and the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria (HUTON), was designed to prepare operators for changes in the global hajj industry.

He said the changes include reforms under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the introduction of a business-to-business (B2B) model that would increase private-sector participation in hajj operations.

According to the statement, Ismail Abba Yusuf, NAHCON chairman, said the commission has secured a three-year phased transition arrangement with Saudi authorities, beginning with 30 percent private-sector participation in 2027.

Yusuf said the arrangement would give Nigeria time to strengthen its regulatory framework and prepare operators for greater responsibilities.

He urged operators to prioritise pilgrims’ welfare over commercial interests and reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to professional certification, digital transformation and regulatory oversight.

Muhammad Maiturare, rector of HIN, said professional training is essential to effective pilgrimage management.

He cited the need for expertise in corporate governance, risk management, operational coordination and international service standards.

The programme featured sessions on professional ethics, leadership, conflict resolution, integrated operations management and lessons from the 2026 hajj.

Participants also examined pilgrim welfare and collaboration with Saudi service providers.