2026 Hajj: Shettima backs move to cede pilgrimage operations to private sector

The Federal Government is moving towards a private-sector-driven Hajj administration model that could see the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, relinquish most operational responsibilities while retaining its role as the industry’s regulator.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed the direction on Wednesday while receiving the board and management of NAHCON, alongside representatives of state pilgrims’ welfare boards, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The delegation visited the vice president to present a report on the just-concluded 2026 Hajj operation, which involved more than 38,000 Nigerian pilgrims.

Mr Shettima commended NAHCON, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and other stakeholders for what he described as a seamless operation, saying the performance should serve as a benchmark for future pilgrimages.

He said the government was working towards adopting a more sustainable model capable of ensuring a fully hitch-free Hajj operation.

“Particularly as authorities move towards adopting a more sustainable model that guarantees 100 per cent hitch-free pilgrimage,” the vice president said.

Earlier, NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, said the proposed shift was in line with reforms by Saudi Arabian authorities under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda.

Mr Yusuf said Saudi authorities had moved to place about 98 per cent of pilgrims under private tour operators, reflecting a transition towards a business-to-business model for Hajj services.

Under the proposed arrangement, he said, NAHCON would maintain its regulatory and supervisory responsibilities while operational aspects of the pilgrimage would increasingly be handled by private-sector operators.

The NAHCON chairman commended Shettima for supporting the transition and said the commission had begun preparations to implement the new framework.

He added that NAHCON remained committed to delivering on its expanded regulatory responsibilities and ensuring that the transition improves service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.

The proposed reform could mark a major shift in Nigeria’s Hajj administration, moving the commission away from direct operational involvement towards greater regulation, oversight and coordination of private Hajj service providers.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that more than 38,000 Nigerian pilgrims participated in the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.