The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has formalised the 2026 Hajj contract agreement between Licensed Tour Operators and Rawaf Mina Company, marking a major step forward in preparations for next year’s pilgrimage.
The agreement was signed by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, and the CEO of Rawaf Mina Company, Mr. Zuhair Abdel Hamid Sadayo, during a ceremony that reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering high-quality services to Nigerian pilgrims.
Speaking at the event, Professor Usman reminded the service provider of the expectations of Nigerian pilgrims, stressing that value for money and strict adherence to service standards remain non-negotiable. He noted that Rawaf Mina had been engaged since last year, and that challenges encountered during the previous Hajj operations were fully documented.
“Rawaf Mina is now our partner in progress. Working together last year, we identified areas requiring improvement. We expect better performance this year improved service delivery, adherence to timelines, and standards that meet and exceed pilgrims’ expectations,” he said.
He emphasized that the partnership reflected a shared responsibility to ensure Nigerian pilgrims receive the level of service befitting their investment in the sacred journey.
The Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, also underscored NAHCON’s regulatory mandate in overseeing the activities of Tour Operators. He noted that while the operators remain the primary partners of Rawaf Mina, the Commission will continue to play its supervisory role to ensure pilgrims are adequately served.
Responding, the CEO of Rawaf Mina Company assured NAHCON of his organisation’s readiness to deliver improved services in 2026. He thanked Nigerian Tour Operators for their confidence and announced the formation of a dedicated technical team to address issues raised during previous operations.
“We have taken note of your observations and will set up a technical team to resolve all concerns. We will make Nigerian pilgrims smile,” Mr. Sadayo pledged.
In his vote of thanks, Abdullateef Yusuf Ekundayo, National President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), expressed appreciation to NAHCON for its sustained support and reaffirmed the operators’ commitment to collaboration. He said tour operators were ready to work closely with both NAHCON and Rawaf Mina to achieve a seamless and successful Hajj operation.
The ceremony was witnessed by Mohammed Auwal, Chairman of the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria (HUTON), alongside representatives of leading companies participating in the 2026 Hajj operations.
The newly signed agreement underscores NAHCON’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with key service providers and ensure that Nigerian pilgrims enjoy a smooth, secure, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
