The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a strong warning to Hajj stakeholders, particularly licensed Tour Operators, against engaging in unauthorized arrangements for Tent A+ services, stressed that such actions fall outside the Commission’s official framework.
This caution followed the closure of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah visa portal, despite NAHCON’s intensive efforts to secure a last-minute extension even for an hour which ultimately proved unsuccessful.
In a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication, on behalf of the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, the Commission expressed sympathy with the 2,717 Nigerian intending pilgrims who were affected by the visa suspension.
“While we understand the disappointment, intending pilgrims are reminded that Hajj is a spiritual call from Allah, and they should take solace in that,” the statement read, added that future pilgrims must make adequate preparations early to avoid similar challenges.
NAHCON recalled that in a bid to prevent pilgrims from missing this year’s Hajj, it secured Masha’ir slots in February 2025 for coordinators from both public and private sectors. The Commission also facilitated four deadline extensions ranging from Hajj fare payment to visa issuance.
Despite repeated notices of a final deadline on April 19, 2025, many intending pilgrims delayed in completing payments. Out of consideration for these latecomers, NAHCON successfully obtained an additional one-month extension, which ended on May 19, 2025. This allowed some State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Tour Operators to complete pending arrangements.
By the time the portal was blocked, a total of 13,217 visas had been issued to Tour Operators out of 14,158 registered pilgrims, reflecting a strong turnout from the private sector. NAHCON also expanded its accommodation efforts to enable more licensed operators to serve their clients within legal bounds.
However, the Commission has now received credible information that some operators are negotiating with unauthorized third parties for premium Tent A+ services.
NAHCON stressed that only Rawaf Mina Company is recognized as the sole provider of Tent A+ services during the 2025 Hajj. It warned that any arrangements made outside this official channel would not be acknowledged, and the Commission will not be held liable for consequences arising therefrom.
“Tour operators must avoid actions that may compromise pilgrims’ welfare or contravene Saudi regulations,” the statement warned.
NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all Hajj activities by Nigerian stakeholders comply with international standards and Saudi Arabia’s operational guidelines.
