The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has unveiled new regulations for licensed private Hajj and Umrah tour operators ahead of the 2027 Hajj, introducing a mandatory N250 million bank guarantee and tighter operational standards aimed at improving service delivery and safeguarding pilgrims.
The new measures, contained in a July 20, 2026 circular signed by the commission’s Deputy Director of Operations, Mrs. Hafsatu Baba Tela, replace the previous requirement for a refundable cash deposit with a bank guarantee.
Under the revised guidelines, operators are required to be duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), possess a valid International Air Transport Association (IATA) accreditation, employ qualified personnel, and provide audited financial statements, tax clearance certificates, bank references, as well as records of their Hajj operations over the past three years.
NAHCON also directed licensed operators to secure accommodation and transportation arrangements before obtaining approval, submit their Hajj packages for vetting before advertising fares, clearly disclose package costs, and maintain transparent refund policies.
In addition, the commission mandated compliance with Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk digital platform, the submission of quarterly operational reports, the establishment of emergency response plans, and the appointment of both male and female Islamic scholars to provide religious guidance to pilgrims.
The commission warned that unlicensed operators displaying banners or conducting activities at pilgrimage sites would face sanctions. It added that unresolved disputes involving pilgrims could be referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further action.
NAHCON further cautioned that operators who fail to comply with the new regulations could face penalties ranging from fines and suspension to the revocation of their operating licences.
BACKSTORY:
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is the federal agency responsible for regulating and coordinating Hajj and Umrah operations for Nigerian pilgrims. Established under the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria Act, 2006, the commission oversees the licensing of private tour operators, works with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, and liaises with Saudi Arabian authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
In recent years, NAHCON has introduced a series of reforms aimed at improving service delivery, enhancing transparency, and protecting Nigerian pilgrims from fraud, poor accommodation, transportation challenges, and other logistical problems. The commission has also strengthened its oversight of licensed Hajj and Umrah operators following complaints from pilgrims about contract breaches, misleading advertisements, and failure by some operators to fulfil agreed services.
The latest regulatory changes are part of preparations for the 2027 Hajj and align with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing reforms, including the expansion of the Nusuk digital platform, which has become the official portal for managing pilgrim services such as visas, accommodation, transportation, and other pilgrimage arrangements.
By introducing a ₦250 million bank guarantee and stricter operational requirements, NAHCON aims to ensure that only financially capable and professionally managed operators participate in the pilgrimage industry. The commission believes the new measures will improve accountability, strengthen consumer protection, and reduce disputes involving pilgrims, while ensuring Nigerian operators meet both local regulatory standards and Saudi Arabian requirements for Hajj operations.
