FCT Minister Backs 30% B2B Shift For Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj

Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has thrown her weight behind Saudi Arabia’s planned reform of Nigeria’s Hajj system, endorsing a phased 30 per cent migration of the country’s pilgrims’ quota to the Business-to-Business (B2B) tour operator model for the 2027 pilgrimage.

Mahmoud spoke yesterday during a policy communication engagement on the proposed reforms, where she described the initiative as a clear measure aimed at improving the efficiency and smooth conduct of Hajj operations.

She said Nigeria, as a law-abiding country, would continue to respect and operate within the framework of reforms introduced by the Saudi authorities, but stressed the need for adequate transition arrangements to enable stakeholders to effectively adapt to the new system.

The minister particularly welcomed the proposed phased implementation, saying a gradual transition would give Nigeria sufficient time to adjust while ensuring that Hajj operations remain seamless.

Mahmoud also commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for what she described as an unprecedented success recorded during the last Hajj operation.

She, however, stressed the importance of strict compliance with health requirements, particularly among pregnant women and pilgrims living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

The minister assured that relevant authorities would continue to strengthen medical screening and enforce established health guidelines to protect the wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims.

Mahmoud thanked the NAHCON delegation for the engagement and expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among all stakeholders would lead to more efficient, successful and sustainable Hajj operations in Nigeria.

Earlier, the zonal commissioner representing the North-Central Zone of NAHCON, Prof Muhammad Unaru Ndagi, disclosed that Saudi authorities had indicated that 98 per cent of Nigeria’s Hajj quota would migrate to the B2B model from the 2027 Hajj.

He said the policy formed part of the reforms being implemented under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Ndagi explained that although NAHCON supported reforms designed to improve efficiency and service delivery, an immediate 98 per cent migration could have serious implications for Nigeria’s existing Hajj administration, financial structures and the affordability of pilgrimage for ordinary Nigerians.

According to him, the commission subsequently engaged the Saudi authorities and secured a major concession on August 18, 2026, allowing Nigeria to migrate 30 per cent of its quota to the B2B model for the 2027 Hajj, with further migration to take place in subsequent years.

He said the phased arrangement would enable Nigeria to strengthen regulatory oversight, build the capacity of private tour operators, complete necessary digitisation and ensure an orderly transition without compromising pilgrims’ welfare.

Ndagi further disclosed that NAHCON had briefed the Vice President and engaged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and other senior government officials as part of efforts to prepare the country for the reforms.

He added that diplomatic engagements with the Saudi authorities were still ongoing towards securing a mutually acceptable framework for the implementation of the new system.

The NAHCON commissioner also drew the minister’s attention to the strict timelines introduced by the Saudi authorities for the 2027 Hajj preparations.

He said the final deadline for uploading pilgrims’ registration details is September 26, 2026, with no extension expected.

Ndagi therefore sought Mahmoud’s urgent intervention to ensure that the FCT and other relevant stakeholders accord priority to pilgrims’ registration, documentation, payment and other related processes.

He said timely compliance with the Saudi requirements was critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s Hajj arrangements and protecting the interests of prospective pilgrims.