Minister Backs Saudi Arabia’s New Business Policy For Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has thrown her weight behind Saudi Arabia’s planned reform of Nigeria’s hajj system, endorsing a phased 30 per cent migration of the country’s pilgrims’ quota to the Business-to-Business (B2B) tour operator model for the 2027 pilgrimage.

Mahmoud spoke yesterday during a policy communication engagement on the proposed reforms, in which she described the initiative as a clear measure to improve the efficiency and smooth conduct of Hajj operations.

She said Nigeria, as a law-abiding country, would continue to respect and operate within the framework of reforms introduced by the Saudi authorities, but stressed the need for adequate transition arrangements to enable stakeholders to effectively adapt to the new system.

The minister particularly welcomed the proposed phased implementation, saying a gradual transition would give Nigeria sufficient time to adjust while ensuring that Hajj operations remain seamless.

Mahmoud also commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for what she described as an unprecedented success recorded during the last Hajj operation.

She, however, stressed the importance of strict compliance with health requirements, particularly among pregnant women and pilgrims living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

The minister assured that relevant authorities would continue to strengthen medical screening and enforce established health guidelines to protect the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims.

Mahmoud thanked the NAHCON delegation for the engagement and expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders would lead to more efficient, successful and sustainable Hajj operations in Nigeria.

Earlier, the zonal commissioner representing the North-Central Zone of NAHCON, Prof Muhammad Unaru Ndagi, disclosed that Saudi authorities had indicated that 98 per cent of Nigeria’s Hajj quota would migrate to the B2B model from the 2027 Hajj.

He said the policy formed part of the reforms being implemented under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Ndagi explained that although NAHCON supported reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery, an immediate 98 per cent migration could have serious implications for Nigeria’s existing Hajj administration, financial structures, and the affordability of pilgrimage for ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, the commission subsequently engaged the Saudi authorities and secured a major concession on 18 August 2026, allowing Nigeria to migrate 30 per cent of its quota to the B2B model for the 2027 Hajj, with further migration to take place in subsequent years.

He said the phased arrangement would enable Nigeria to strengthen regulatory oversight, build the capacity of private tour operators, complete necessary digitisation and ensure an orderly transition without compromising pilgrims’ welfare.

Ndagi further disclosed that NAHCON had briefed the Vice President and engaged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and other senior government officials as part of efforts to prepare the country for the reforms.

He added that diplomatic engagements with the Saudi authorities were still ongoing to secure a mutually acceptable framework for implementing the new system.

The NAHCON commissioner also drew the minister’s attention to the strict timelines introduced by the Saudi authorities for the 2027 Hajj preparations.

He said the final deadline for uploading pilgrims’ registration details is 26 September 2026, with no extension expected.

Ndagi therefore sought Mahmoud’s urgent intervention to ensure that the FCT and other relevant stakeholders accord priority to pilgrims’ registration, documentation, payment and other related processes.

He said timely compliance with the Saudi requirements was critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s Hajj arrangements and protecting the interests of prospective pilgrims.