Hajj operators demand transparency in seats’ allocation
Concerned private Hajj operators have called for an independent review to establish how the 15,000 private-sector slots were distributed ahead of the 2027 Hajj. The operators called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an independent investigation into the allocation of Hajj 2027 slots, alleging some slots meant for operators were diverted. They said the […]
Private Hajj operators in Nigeria have demanded an independent investigation into the allocation of 15,000 private-sector slots for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage. The operators claim that some slots intended for them were diverted, questioning the transparency and fairness of the process. They seek President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's intervention to order the review, emphasizing the need to establish the beneficiaries and ensure compliance with regulations and agreements with Saudi authorities.
The controversy arose after discussions between Nigerian tour operators, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and Saudi officials regarding the distribution of Nigeria's 2027 Hajj allocation. Saudi authorities had initially agreed to 25,000 seats for Nigerian operators, but following talks with NAHCON, the allocation was reportedly settled at 15,000 slots for private operators and 35,000 for states.
Allegations surfaced after NAHCON released a document on August 7, 2026, showing 10,000 seats distributed among 140 qualified tour operator companies. Operators alleged that Saudi officials questioned the reduced allocation and suggested escalation to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah. Subsequently, NAHCON explained that the private-sector allocation remained unchanged, but 5,000 of the 15,000 seats were assigned to two companies linked to Kano and Adamawa states.
The operators demanded disclosure of the names, ownership, and eligibility of these two companies, citing their exclusion from the initial allocation document.
NAHCON has denied the allegations, stating that no slots were diverted to undisclosed entities. The Commission claims that Nigeria received a total of 50,000 Hajj slots for 2027, with 35,000 for the 36 states and FCT, and 15,000 for private operators. These slots were allocated strictly to licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies, adhering to Saudi guidelines. The Commission asserts that the registry of authorized operators is a matter of public record.
However, NAHCON urged operators with legitimate concerns to utilize official liaison channels instead of making unsubstantiated claims and spreading misinformation. The private operators maintain that transparency in the allocation process is the central issue and warn that unresolved disputes could damage confidence in Nigeria's Hajj administration and its relationship with Saudi authorities.
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