By Ahmad Muazu
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) convened a crucial meeting with licensed Hajj tour operators to address key issues related to the 2025 Hajj. Chaired by the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Elegushi, the meeting aimed to enhance the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims through various operational improvements.
One significant outcome of the meeting was the announcement of a reduction in the caution deposit for tour operators, decreasing from N50 million to N40 million. This change is part of NAHCON’s initiative to alleviate the financial burden on operators. Additionally, the commission extended the registration deadline for the 2025 Hajj by one week, allowing operators more time to fulfill the necessary requirements.
Prince Elegushi also shared updates from Saudi Arabian authorities, indicating that the number of lead companies coordinating Hajj operations has been reduced from 40 to 20 for the 2025 season. This adjustment will impact the operational framework of the pilgrimage, and tour operators were urged to prepare accordingly.
Another critical topic discussed was the ongoing effort to secure refunds for unrendered services from previous Hajj seasons. The Commissioner assured operators that NAHCON has escalated its request for these refunds and advised any company seeking a refund of their caution deposit to formally write to the commission.
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Regarding bank guarantees, Prince Elegushi emphasized that NAHCON is developing policies aligned with international best practices to ensure the welfare of pilgrims is protected, thereby reducing risks for both operators and pilgrims.
On the subject of Umrah, the Commissioner revealed that NAHCON has reached out to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj to address concerns related to Umrah services. The Saudi ministry has committed to reviewing these issues, and NAHCON will send a high-powered delegation to Saudi Arabia to further discuss the concerns and seek resolutions.
The meeting concluded with a robust question-and-answer session, during which Prince Elegushi addressed the concerns raised by tour operators and reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to enhancing the experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.
Ahmad Muazu
Writes from NAHCON
