Maryam Aminu
In a bold move signaling growing discontent within Nigeria’s Hajj industry, three licensed private Hajj operators Travel Express Ltd (Abuja), An-Noor Air Services and Tours Ltd (Kano), and Positive Trends Travel and Tours Ltd (Kaduna) have jointly announced their withdrawal from the 2025 Hajj exercise, citing long-standing concerns over the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)’s practices.
The operators, in a detailed public statement, criticized the Commission for what they described as a sustained deviation from its statutory role, alleging excessive charges, lack of accountability, and attempts to monopolize both Hajj and Umrah operations.
“We have withdrawn from participating in the 2025 Hajj exercise to protest NAHCON’s continuous exploitation of tour operators and the Nigerian pilgrims they serve,” the operators stated. “Our decision is a stand against systemic injustice in the Hajj industry.”
According to the statement, tour operators paid approximately N2 billion to NAHCON in the last Hajj season through a combination of application fees, licensing charges, service levies, and bank guarantees. These include:
N300,000 application fee paid by over 250 applicants (over N75 million total),
N1 million licensing fee paid by 180 qualified operators (over N180 million),
$150 per pilgrim as a service charge, which was reduced to $100 in 2025 only after intense pushback,
A mandatory bank guarantee, raised from N20 million in 2024
N40 million in 2025.
The operators questioned the legality of dollar-denominated charges and challenged NAHCON to disclose how funds are utilized, claiming the Commission provides minimal or no services in return.
The group also raised alarm over NAHCON’s push to take control of the Umrah service market through the GiiL TMS project a technology-based platform they say is backed by foreign actors and threatens to reduce Nigerian operators to sub-agents.
They allege this move is being made without consulting the main stakeholders and could dismantle the private sector-led Umrah system in Nigeria.
The statement also spotlighted the recurring controversy over “Tent A” accommodations for VIP pilgrims. With less than ten days to the commencement of pilgrim arrivals, operators say there is no clarity on service delivery despite payments of 1,550 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim having already been deducted.
They accuse NAHCON of sidelining legitimate service providers and warn of a potential breakdown in service delivery.
In closing, the operators called on the Nigerian government to investigate NAHCON’s revenue model and mandate, demanding a return to the original vision of the Commission as a regulatory not revenue-generating agency.
They pledged to continue advocating for transparency, fairness, and dignity for Nigerian pilgrims.
“The Hajj system in Nigeria requires a complete overhaul. The time to act is now,” the statement concluded.
The operators hinted at an upcoming exposé that will name individuals both within and outside the Commission who they say have undermined reforms in the industry over the years.
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