* Says Saudi’s proposed B2B Hajj model will create new opportunities for operators
About 50 Nigerian pilgrims currently participating in the Umrah programme organised by Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited have successfully completed their pilgrimage in Makkah, with many expressing satisfaction over the services provided by the agency.
The pilgrims arrived in Madinah on July 31, where they spent time at the Prophet’s Mosque and visited major historical and religious sites before proceeding to Makkah on August 2 to perform Umrah (lesser Hajj).
Muslim News learnt that the pilgrims completed their Umrah rites successfully and expressed satisfaction with the services provided by Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading licensed Hajj and Umrah operators.
The pilgrims commended the agency’s professionalism, efficient coordination and welfare support throughout the journey, from their departure in Nigeria to their stay in Madinah and Makkah. The group is expected to return to Nigeria on August 12.
Pilgrims applaud Hajj Mabrur’s services
Some of the pilgrims who spoke with Muslim News shared glowing testimonies about the quality of services provided by Hajj Mabrur throughout the Umrah exercise.
A pilgrim from Lagos, Alhaji Ayinde Tijani, described the agency’s services as exceptional. He said he first performed Hajj with Hajj Mabrur in 2022 and had since returned for his second Umrah with the company because of its professionalism, efficient coordination and top notch services.
Another pilgrim, Habeebullah from Abuja, travelled with his mother after they were sponsored by his brother, Engineer Raji, a regular client of Hajj Mabrur. He praised the agency for the special care and attention given to elderly pilgrims throughout the journey.
According to him, he had initially worried about the challenges of travelling with his aged mother, but Hajj Mabrur’s arrangements completely eased his concerns.
He said his mother was delighted to perform Umrah for the first time, adding that nothing was left to chance as the tour guides remained professional and ensured that none of the 50 pilgrims got separated during Tawaf or other pilgrimage rites.
Bonanza registration extended
Meanwhile, Hajj Mabrur, one of Nigeria’s leading licensed Hajj and Umrah operators, has extended registration for its Umrah Bonanza package beyond the initial July 31 deadline, giving intending pilgrims another opportunity to participate, subject to flight availability.
The special package, which costs N2.750 million, was initially scheduled to close on July 31. However, the agency said registration will remain open for another two weeks, subject to flight availability.
The Head of Business Development and Marketing of Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited, Imam Adebayo Monsur, urged interested Muslims to contact the agency through its offices, accredited agents or marketers to secure the remaining available slots.
Agency backs Saudi Hajj reforms
Speaking on Saudi Arabia’s proposed migration of Hajj operations to a business to business model dominated by licensed private tour operators, Imam Monsur described the development as a significant milestone for the global pilgrimage industry.
He said the proposed reform would create more opportunities for experienced private operators by allowing them to deal directly with Saudi authorities through the Nusuk digital platform instead of relying on the traditional government managed system.
According to him, the new arrangement will enable operators to design more flexible pilgrimage packages and provide a wider range of services, including flights, accommodation, transportation, catering, insurance, training and guided tours.
He added that the digital platform would improve transparency in visa processing, payments and service delivery, while reducing paperwork and strengthening accountability for both operators and pilgrims.
Imam Monsur also said the reform would encourage healthy competition among operators, leading to improved service quality and innovation across the Hajj and Umrah industry.
He noted that the policy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to expand private sector participation and accommodate more pilgrims through efficient and technology driven services.
While acknowledging that the transition would require operators to strengthen their digital capacity, financial capability and operational standards, he expressed confidence that Nigerian companies that adapt quickly would be well positioned to benefit from the new system.
He said Hajj Mabrur is committed to positioning itself for the changing landscape while continuing to provide safe, reliable and quality pilgrimage services to Nigerian Muslims.
More pictures
Sponsored
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
