The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has set February 14, 2025, as the final date for licensed private tour operators to remit payments for the 2025 Hajj fares. This decision aligns with NAHCON’s goal of ensuring a seamless and well-organized pilgrimage for Nigerian pilgrims.
This deadline was announced during a meeting in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, where NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, met with representatives of licensed tour operators. The Chairman underscored the necessity of adhering to the timeline, highlighting that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will commence the issuance of visas for the Hajj exercise on February 19, 2025. Timely remittance, therefore, is essential for meeting the visa processing requirements.
Ensuring Efficiency and Quality
Professor Usman emphasized that early fund submission will streamline the visa process and allow NAHCON to effectively coordinate with Saudi authorities on accommodation, transportation, and other logistics. “We are committed to providing a memorable Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims,” he said, stressing that meeting the remittance deadline is a critical step toward achieving this objective.
To ensure flexibility and inclusivity in service delivery, NAHCON has allowed licensed operators to partner with any of the top ten leading Hajj service companies in their respective zones. However, these partnerships are capped at a 2,000-pilgrim limit per company to maintain high service standards.
Collaboration for Success
The meeting also reinforced the collaborative relationship between NAHCON and private tour operators. Both parties agreed on the importance of cooperation and accountability in delivering high-quality services to pilgrims. Licensed operators were reminded of their responsibility to uphold the expectations of intending pilgrims and to ensure that services align with NAHCON’s standards.
A Call to Action
With less than a month remaining before the February 14 deadline, NAHCON is urging tour operators to act promptly to avoid any disruptions. Nigerian pilgrims, too, are encouraged to complete their payments as soon as possible to facilitate smooth planning and preparations for the 2025 Hajj.
The Hajj pilgrimage, a deeply spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide, requires meticulous planning and coordination. NAHCON’s measures aim to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims experience a safe, comfortable, and spiritually rewarding journey.
