NAHCON Proposes Phased Implementation of Saudi B2B Hajj Model
NAHCON Proposes Phased Implementation of Saudi B2B Hajj Model
NAHCON Proposes Phased Implementation of Saudi B2B Hajj Model
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has proposed a phased implementation of the new business-to-business (B2B) model for Hajj operations recommended by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Chairman of the Commission, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yussuf, disclosed this while responding to questions from State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Yussuf explained that the proposed migration of about 98 per cent of Nigeria’s traditional public Hajj quota to a private tour operator framework could not be implemented abruptly, given the country’s long-established public Hajj administration system managed by NAHCON in collaboration with the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
According to him, although the Commission has received official communication from the Saudi authorities regarding the proposed policy, Nigeria is advocating a gradual transition to minimise potential economic and operational disruptions.
He noted that an abrupt structural shift could affect existing Government-to-Government arrangements, disrupt established operational systems and weaken the statutory responsibilities of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Yussuf also expressed concern that sudden implementation could have implications for the affordability, accessibility and orderly coordination of Hajj for ordinary Nigerian pilgrims.
The NAHCON Chairman said Nigeria fully supports Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation agenda and greater participation of the private sector in Hajj operations.
However, he stressed that such reforms should be pursued through mutual consultation, careful planning and a structured transition that takes into account Nigeria’s existing Hajj administration framework and the interests of its pilgrims.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to working with the Saudi authorities and relevant Nigerian stakeholders to ensure that any transition to the new model is implemented smoothly while protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
The proposed phased approach is expected to provide stakeholders with sufficient time to adapt to the new operational framework without disrupting the established systems currently supporting Hajj pilgrims from Nigeria.
NAHCON Proposes Phased Implementation of Saudi B2B Hajj Model
