The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said the Nigerian Licensed Private Tour Operators have collectively agreed to adopt Rawaf Mina as the official Saudi Arabia service provider for private-sector pilgrims for the 2026 hajj.

A statement by NAHCON Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Usara, said the decision followed NAHCON’s intervention that prompted consultations between the Nigerian operators to dialogue with service providers.

Ms Usara stated that the operators presented Rawaf Mina with specific services requests covering Masha’ir operations, transportation, catering, and NUSUK integration to which the provider made commitments.

According to her, the development is seen as a welcome collaboration towards enhancing service quality, and strengthening cooperation between operators and service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Ms Usara said, “NAHCON continues to reiterate the importance of early registration and adherence to all guidelines issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding health guidelines, hajj fare payments and other Saudi compliance requirements. Pilgrims are also advised to obtain written agreements from operators for all expected services and payments made.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, on Thursday inaugurated the NUSUK/Masar platform in NAHCON Office in Makkah.

Ms Usara said, “The 10-member team is expected to oversee, coordinate, and manage all aspects of the Nusuk Masar process for the 2026 Nigeria Hajj Pilgrims, ensuring full compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations and alignment with the NAHCON’s strategic objectives.

“The team should coordinate the registration and processing of visa for eligible Nigerian pilgrims on the Nusuk Masar platform. It is also expected to follow the established approval process for execution of contracts and acquisition of services.”

According to the NAHCON spokesperson, the team is expected to liaise with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and other relevant stakeholders on all Nusuk Masar-related matters, as well as

ensure seamless integration between Nusuk Masar and NAHCON’s digital platforms.

She stated, “The 10-member team is expected to provide guidance and technical support to State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators, and other stakeholders. To monitor evaluate, and report on the progress of Nusuk Masar activities.”

Present at the inauguration were NAHCON’s commissioners, five board members, representatives of the presidency and the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. 

(NAN)