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 review would identify the beneficiaries and determine whether the process complied with applicable regulations and agreements with the Saudi authorities
The operators said the alleged diversion raised questions about transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s Hajj administration, particularly as more than 500 licensed operators nationwide were expected to share 10,000 slots after 5000 slots were allegedly diverted
The controversy followed engagements involving Nigerian tour operators, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and officials of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah over the distribution of Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj allocation
According to the operators’ account, the Saudi authorities had initially agreed to 25,000 seats for Nigerian tour operators
Following discussions with NAHCON on a gradual implementation process, the allocation was reportedly settled at 15,000 seats for private operators and 35,000 for the states
The operators said concerns emerged after NAHCON released a document on August 7, 2026, showing 10,000 seats distributed among 140 qualified tour operator companies
They claimed Saudi officials questioned the apparent reduction and indicated that the matter could be escalated to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah
At a subsequent meeting, the operators said NAHCON explained that the private-sector allocation had not been reduced, but that 5,000 of the 15,000 seats had been assigned to two companies associated with Kano and Adamawa states
They also demanded disclosure of the names, ownership and eligibility of the two companies, arguing that their absence from the earlier allocation document had heightened concerns
However, NAHCON has rejected the allegations, saying there was no diversion of Hajj slots to undisclosed entities
In a statement, the Commission said Nigeria received a total allocation of 50,000 slots for the 2027 Hajj, comprising 35,000 slots for the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and 15,000 for the private sector
According to NAHCON, the 15,000 private-sector slots were allocated strictly to duly licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies that comply with Saudi guidelines
The Commission said the registry of authorised operators remains a matter of public record
NAHCON further explained that under the Saudi digital Hajj platform, Nusuk Masar, it does not have independent authority to allocate slots without direct approval from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
The Commission urged operators with genuine grievances to use official liaison channels rather than making what it described as unsubstantiated claims and spreading misinformation
The private operators, however, maintained that the central issue was transparency in the allocation process They called for an independent review to establish how the 15,000 private-sector slots were distributed, identify the beneficiaries and determine whether the process complied with applicable regulations and agreements with the Saudi authorities.
They warned that unresolved disagreements could undermine confidence in Nigeria’s Hajj administration and its relationship with Saudi authorities
NAHCON, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness and protecting the interests of Nigerian pilgrims
“NAHCON remains firmly committed to transparency, absolute fairness, and safeguarding the interests of Nigerian pilgrims
The Commission urges any operator with genuine grievances to utilise designated official liaison channels for engagement, rather than resorting to unsubstantiated claims and public misinformation,” the statement added