The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has backed proposed reforms by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, including the migration of Nigeria’s national pilgrims’ quota to a Business-to-Business (B2B) tour operator model.
Mahmoud stated this during a policy engagement on the proposed reforms, describing the initiative as a measure aimed at improving the efficiency and administration 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 urged that adequate transition arrangements be put in place to enable stakeholders to adapt effectively.
The minister particularly welcomed the proposed transition period, saying a phased implementation would give Nigeria sufficient time to adjust to the new system and ensure smoother Hajj operations.
Mahmoud commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its performance during the last Hajj operation, describing the outcome as unprecedented in the history of Hajj administration in Nigeria.
She also stressed the need for strict compliance with health requirements, particularly for 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 ensure compliance with established health guidelines.
Mahmoud thanked the NAHCON delegation for the engagement and expressed optimism that continued collaboration among stakeholders would lead to more efficient and sustainable Hajj operations in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Zonal Commissioner representing the North-Central Zone of NAHCON, Prof. Muhammad Unaru Ndagi, said the Saudi authorities had indicated that 98 per cent of Nigeria’s Hajj quota would migrate to the B2B model from the 2027 Hajj, as part of reforms under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
He said although NAHCON supported reforms aimed at improving efficiency and service delivery, an immediate 98 per cent migration would be operationally difficult because of its potential impact on Nigeria’s existing Hajj administration, financial structures and the affordability of pilgrimage for ordinary Nigerians.
Ndagi said the commission had consequently engaged the Saudi authorities and secured a concession on Aug. 18, 2026, allowing a phased 30 per cent migration for the 2027 Hajj, with further transition in subsequent years.
According to him, the phased approach would give Nigeria time to strengthen regulatory oversight, build the capacity of private tour operators, complete necessary digitalisation and ensure an orderly transition without compromising pilgrims’ welfare.
He disclosed that NAHCON had briefed the Vice-President and engaged relevant state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and senior government officials on the reforms.
Ndagi stated that diplomatic engagements with the Saudi authorities were ongoing to secure a mutually acceptable framework for the implementation of the reforms.
He also drew the minister’s attention to the strict timelines set by the Saudi authorities for preparations for the 2027 Hajj.
He said the final deadline for uploading pilgrims’ registration details was Sept. 26, 2026, with no extension expected.
Ndagi therefore sought Mahmoud’s urgent intervention to ensure that the FCT and other relevant stakeholders prioritised pilgrims’ registration, documentation, payment and other related processes to safeguard Nigeria’s Hajj arrangements and the interests of prospective pilgrims.
