Ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has established fresh regulatory standards for private Hajj and Umrah tour operators. Detailed in a circular issued on July 20, 2026, by Deputy Director of Operations Mrs. Hafsatu Baba Tela, these measures replace old cash deposit requirements with a mandatory N250 million bank guarantee to enhance service accountability.
Agencies are now required to maintain Corporate Affairs Commission registration, hold valid IATA accreditation, and provide verified financial documentation, including audited statements and tax clearance records. Furthermore, operators must show proof of their past three years of experience.
To protect travelers, NAHCON mandates that operators finalize travel and lodging arrangements before seeking approval. All service packages must undergo commission vetting prior to public advertisement, with clear disclosure of costs and refund procedures. The new policy also insists on full integration with Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk platform, regular reporting, and the presence of qualified Islamic scholars for each group.
Non-compliance carries significant risks, including potential license revocation or heavy fines. Additionally, the commission warned that any unresolved consumer grievances might be escalated to agencies like the EFCC or ICPC for further investigation.