Nigeria resists Saudi Hajj B2B shift

The Saudi Saudi Arabia — Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has formally communicated its decision to migrate participating countries, including Nigeria, to a business-to-business (B2B) operational framework for Hajj operations. Under the proposed model, about 98% of Nigeria's traditional public Hajj quota would move from the government-managed structure to private tour operators. The Nigeria — National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by Chairman Abba Kabir Yusuf, has pushed back against immediate implementation, arguing that an abrupt transition would disrupt Nigeria's long-established pilgrimage administration, weaken the statutory role of Nigeria — Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, undermine government-to-government arrangements with Saudi Arabia, and adversely affect the affordability and accessibility of Hajj for ordinary Nigerian pilgrims. NAHCON has proposed a phased implementation to safeguard the country's Hajj system while supporting Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and private sector participation goals. The commission emphasized the need for mutual consultation and a carefully managed transition. The announcement was made by Yusuf at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications.