The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has formalised the 2026 Hajj contract agreement with Licensed Tour Operators and the Saudi-based Rawaf Mina Company, marking a major step forward in preparations for next year’s pilgrimage.
The agreement was disclosed in a press statement issued by NAHCON’s Technical Assistant on Media, Ahmad Muazu. It was signed by the Commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, and the Chief Executive Officer of Rawaf Mina Company, Mr Zuhair Abdel Hamid.
Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Usman reminded service providers that Nigerian pilgrims expect high-quality service for the fees they pay.
“Pilgrims demand value for money, and the Commission expects Rawaf Mina to meet those standards,” he said. He added that the company had been engaged since last year, and that its previous challenges had been “identified and documented.”
He emphasised that NAHCON is expecting improved performance in 2026, with strict adherence to agreed timelines and service standards.
“Rawaf Mina is now our partner in progress. Working together last year, we have identified areas requiring improvement, and we are hopeful that you will perform better than last year and exceed expectations,” he said.
Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Olarenwaju Elegushi, reaffirmed NAHCON’s regulatory mandate over Tour Operators.
“This is one of the key responsibilities placed upon NAHCON, to regulate Tour Operators’ activities. While they are the major partners with Rawaf Mina, NAHCON will play its role in ensuring that pilgrims are well served,” he stated.
Responding on behalf of Rawaf Mina Company, the CEO assured the Commission of full readiness to deliver improved services, promising to “meet and surpass all expectations.” Elegushi also thanked Nigerian Tour Operators for their confidence, announcing that a dedicated technical team would address all concerns raised.
“We will make Nigerian pilgrims smile,” he pledged.
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In his vote of thanks, Abdullateef Yusuf Ekundayo, National President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), expressed appreciation to the Commission and reiterated operators’ commitment to collaboration.
“We are ready to collaborate and work hand in hand with NAHCON for a successful operation. With the commitment of the CEO of Rawaf and the monitoring of NAHCON, we are looking forward to having the best operation, Insha Allah,” he said.
The event was witnessed by Mohammed Auwal, Chairman of the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria (HUTON), along with representatives of other major companies participating in the 2026 Hajj operations.
The agreement underscores NAHCON’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with service providers and ensure that Nigerian pilgrims enjoy a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
