The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has backed Saudi Arabia’s proposed reform of Nigeria’s Hajj operations, including the planned migration to a Business-to-Business model.
Mahmoud, however, called for a smooth and phased transition to prevent disruptions to pilgrims and other stakeholders.
She spoke on Thursday during a policy engagement on the proposed reform, saying Nigeria would respect reforms introduced by the Saudi authorities while ensuring adequate arrangements were made for stakeholders to adjust to the new system.
The minister welcomed the proposed transition period, saying a gradual implementation would help Nigeria adapt and ensure smoother Hajj operations.
Mahmoud also commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for what she described as an unprecedented success recorded during the last Hajj operation.
She urged strict compliance with health requirements, particularly for pregnant women and pilgrims living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.
She assured that relevant authorities would continue to strengthen medical screening and enforce established health guidelines.
Earlier, the North-Central Zonal Commissioner of NAHCON, Prof Muhammad Unaru Ndagi, disclosed that Saudi Arabia had proposed moving 98 per cent of Nigeria’s Hajj quota to the B2B model from the 2027 pilgrimage.
Ndagi said the proposed shift was part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms but warned that an immediate 98 per cent migration could be difficult for Nigeria to implement.
According to him, the move could affect the country’s existing Hajj administration, financial structures and the affordability of pilgrimage for ordinary Nigerians.
He said NAHCON engaged the Saudi authorities and secured a concession on August 18, 2026, allowing Nigeria to migrate 30 per cent of its quota to the B2B model for the 2027 Hajj.
Ndagi said further migration would take place in subsequent years, giving Nigeria time to strengthen regulation, build the capacity of private tour operators and complete necessary digitisation.
He added that NAHCON had briefed Vice President Kashim Shettima and engaged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and other senior government officials on the reform.
Ndagi also informed the minister that Saudi authorities had introduced strict deadlines for preparations, with September 26, 2026 set as the final date for uploading pilgrims’ registration.
He appealed to Mahmoud to ensure that the FCT and other relevant stakeholders prioritise pilgrims’ registration, documentation and payments to avoid jeopardising Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj arrangements.
Mahmoud expressed optimism that continued cooperation among government agencies and other stakeholders would produce a more efficient and sustainable Hajj system.