Nigeria’s licensed private tour operators have unanimously chosen Rawaf Mina as the official service provider for the 2026 hajj season. This decision was reached following consultations facilitated by NAHCON which prompted discussions between the operators and the service provider.
The commission in a press statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, the deputy director of information and public relations yesterday in Abuja said the collaboration aimed to address specific service requests from the operators, which include details on Masha’ir operations, transportation, catering and integration with the NUSUK platform. Rawaf Mina made commitments to deliver on these essential services, reinforcing a cooperative approach to improve service quality for Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON has reiterated the importance of early registration and compliance with all guidelines set forth by the Saudi authorities. Pilgrims are urged to ensure they receive written agreements from their chosen operators covering all expected services and associated payments.
In a related development, NAHCON’s chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has inaugurated the NUSUK/Masar platform. The 10-member team is tasked with overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the NUSUK Masar process for Nigerian pilgrims in 2026. Their responsibilities include ensuring adherence to Saudi hajj regulations, managing the registration and visa processing for eligible pilgrims, and liaising with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The team will also focus on ensuring the seamless integration of the NUSUK Masar with NAHCON’s existing digital platforms and provide support to State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, private tour operators and other key stakeholders. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the NUSUK Masar activities will also form a critical part of their role.
The inauguration event was attended by NAHCON commissioners, five board members, representatives from the presidency and delegates from state pilgrims welfare boards, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure a successful hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
