The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has introduced stricter qualification requirements for licensed Hajj and Umrah tour operators ahead of the 2027 Hajj, including a mandatory ₦250 million bank guarantee and tougher compliance measures aimed at improving service delivery and protecting Nigerian pilgrims.
The new guidelines, contained in a circular dated 20 July 2026 and signed by the Commission’s Deputy Director of Operations, Mrs Hafsatu Baba Tela, form part of a comprehensive review of licensing requirements and operational procedures for private Hajj operators.
According to NAHCON, the revised framework is designed to align Nigeria’s Hajj industry with current realities, strengthen consumer protection and ensure higher standards of service during pilgrimage operations.
Under the new qualification criteria, all operators must be duly registered travel agencies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), possess valid International Air Transport Association (IATA) accreditation, employ accredited personnel and provide a ₦250 million bank guarantee in place of the previously required refundable cash deposit.
The Commission also directed operators to demonstrate a proven record of successful pilgrimage operations, submit three years’ tax clearance certificates, audited financial statements, annual returns filed with the CAC and evidence of Hajj slot utilisation over the past three years.
In addition, companies must provide a reference letter from a licensed commercial bank confirming their financial standing and comply with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 digital requirements through the Nusuk platform.
Operators are also required to secure confirmed accommodation and transportation arrangements for pilgrims before receiving approval to participate in the 2027 Hajj exercise.
As part of the post-qualification conditions, NAHCON directed all licensed operators to comply with Hajj payment directives, maintain approved quality and safety standards, employ trained personnel, establish emergency response plans and submit quarterly operational reports to the Commission.
The guidelines also require operators to submit their Hajj packages to NAHCON for evaluation and approval before announcing fares or marketing pilgrimage packages to prospective pilgrims.
Tour operators must equally disclose their pricing structure and refund policies, including clear procedures for compensating pilgrims if any service paid for is not delivered during either Hajj or Umrah.
To improve pilgrims’ welfare, NAHCON directed operators to submit details of their orientation programmes, accommodation addresses in Makkah and Madinah, contact details of their representatives in Saudi Arabia, emergency contacts and appoint both male and female Islamic scholars to guide pilgrims throughout the exercise.
The Commission also banned unlicensed tour operators from displaying banners in Mashair and other designated pilgrimage locations, warning that offenders would face appropriate sanctions.
NAHCON further warned that unresolved disputes between tour operators and pilgrims handled by its Inspectorate and Compliance Division would be referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation where necessary.
It stressed that violations of the new guidelines could attract disciplinary measures ranging from warnings and fines to suspension or outright revocation of operating licences, depending on the severity of the offence.
The Commission said the new measures are intended to enhance transparency, accountability and professionalism in Nigeria’s private Hajj sector while ensuring that pilgrims receive the standard of service expected during the 2027 pilgrimage.
