The Independent Hajj Reporters and other stakeholders have called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to explore more business opportunities in Islamic Pilgrimages (Hajj and Umrah), describing them as part of the world’s most significant economic activities.
The call was contained in a communique issued after the 10th edition of the group’s annual lecture and awards in Abuja, themed “Exploring Business Opportunities in the Hajj and Umrah Ecosystem.”
The stakeholders said Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah ecosystem had generated enormous economic activity across sectors, with more than 1.6 million pilgrims from 171 countries in 2025.
The communique noted the emerging digital challenges tagged “information overload” during Hajj operations, creating an avalanche of conflicting information.
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“The Independent Hajj Reporters call on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to partner with the Independent Hajj Reporters to train and expose the 2027 Hajj Media Team to respond and effectively manage information during the Exercise”.
To checkmate the web of confusion affecting seamless Hajj operations, the Independent Hajj Reporters constituted a Media Monitoring Team to ensure real time tracking and reporting of operations and services.
The Independent Hajj Reporters also drew attention to the fast-expiring deadlines for the 2027 Hajj exercise and urged stakeholders to prepare accordingly.
The Independent Hajj Reporters noted that the Hajj and Umrah sector have gone beyond spirituality to economic opportunity.
“It therefore called on all operators and entrepreneurs to exploit the enormous transportation, aviation, accommodation, hospitality, catering, healthcare, financial, retail and logistics, among others.”
The conference noted that Hajj had evolved into a global mirror for Islam and Muslims, stressing the need for efficient service delivery to secure a positive image for Nigeria, with pilgrim welfare as the pivotal driver.
Security Synergy
On security, stakeholders at the conference lauded the efforts of security representatives and called for more synergy and proactiveness in securing the lives and properties of pilgrims and officials.
The communique re-emphasised the “role of Islamic financing of Hajj and Umrah as well as businesses in the global economy, recommending its adoption by all stakeholders in the industry. It further recommended the establishment of Nigeria-Saudi Halal Investment Forum to promote trade, commerce and businesses”.
On health matters, the conference recommended the establishment of a hospital or health facility in Saudi Arabia to reduce medication costs and ensure efficient services in line with Saudi Arabian rules.
The conference also noted that the aviation component of Hajj and Umrah operations was substantial, calling for more domestic patronage in line with Saudi Arabian guidelines, and encouraged domestic production of Hajj essentials such as bags and ihram clothing for Nigeria’s economic growth.
The conference also appreciated the role of tour operators in delivering satisfactory Hajj and Umrah services and enjoined them to align their activities with emerging trends and challenges.
