* Says immediate implementation could weaken existing Hajj structures
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appealed for the gradual implementation of Saudi Arabia’s proposed transition from the traditional government managed Hajj system to a private tour operator model, warning that an immediate change could disrupt Hajj operations and make pilgrimage more difficult for many Nigerians.
NAHCON urges phased implementation
NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, made the appeal while speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He disclosed that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially communicated its decision to move about 98 per cent of Nigeria’s public Hajj quota from the current government managed arrangement to a business model driven by licensed private tour operators.
According to him, while Nigeria supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to modernise Hajj operations through digital transformation and greater private sector participation, the proposed reform should be introduced in phases rather than implemented immediately.
Ambassador Yusuf explained that Nigeria has operated a public Hajj administration system for decades through NAHCON in collaboration with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, making an abrupt transition impractical.
He said the commission has formally proposed a phased implementation because of the significant economic and operational implications for Nigeria.
According to him, an immediate migration to the new model could undermine existing government to government arrangements, disrupt long established operational structures and reduce the statutory role currently played by State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
The NAHCON chairman also expressed concern that the proposed arrangement could affect the affordability, accessibility and orderly management of Hajj, particularly for ordinary Nigerian pilgrims who rely on the existing public system.
He stressed that any reform of such magnitude should be based on mutual consultation between both countries and carried out through a carefully managed transition that safeguards the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
Understanding Saudi’s proposed B2B Hajj model
Muslim News gathered that the proposed business to business (B2B) Hajj model is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms aimed at modernising pilgrimage administration through digital technology and greater private sector participation.
Under the proposed arrangement, licensed private tour operators will contract directly with Saudi licensed service providers through the Masar Nusuk platform for accommodation, transportation, catering, visa processing and other pilgrimage services, replacing much of the traditional government to government system used by many countries.
Saudi authorities say the reform is designed to improve efficiency, transparency, service quality and operational integration across the Hajj ecosystem while expanding private sector participation in pilgrimage services.
Potential impact on Nigerian pilgrims
Saudi Arabia has in recent years introduced wide ranging reforms aimed at improving Hajj administration through digital platforms and increased participation of licensed private service providers.
If eventually adopted, the new business model is expected to significantly change the way Nigerian pilgrims register, pay for and perform Hajj in the future, with private tour operators expected to play a much larger role in organising pilgrimages while NAHCON’s responsibilities evolve towards regulation, oversight and coordination.
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