The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced a two-day training programme for licensed Hajj and Umrah tour operators to strengthen regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and pilgrims’ welfare ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
The commission disclosed this in a statement by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed.
The Professional Certificate Programme in Hajj and Umrah Operations and Pilgrim Service Management began on October 26 and is scheduled to end on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The programme is organised by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria in collaboration with the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria and the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria.
Declaring the programme open, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the initiative would prepare Nigerian operators for changes in the global Hajj industry arising from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms and the emerging business-to-business model, which gives the private sector greater responsibility for Hajj operations.
He disclosed that the commission had secured a three-year phased transition arrangement with Saudi authorities, beginning with 30 per cent private-sector participation in 2027.
According to him, the arrangement would provide time to strengthen Nigeria’s regulatory framework and prepare operators for their increased responsibilities.
The NAHCON chairman urged operators to maintain professional standards, stressing that pilgrims’ welfare must take precedence over commercial interests.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to professional certification, digital transformation and effective regulatory oversight to improve Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria.
