Some Hajj and Umrah operators have criticised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria over the alleged exclusion of recognised tour operators’ associations from consultations on preparations for the 2027 Hajj.

The operators expressed concern following reports that the commission recently held discussions with the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria on the newly introduced N250m bank guarantee requirement for the 2027 pilgrimage without involving the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria and other recognised industry groups.

In a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, the stakeholders alleged that discussions at the meeting suggested NAHCON intended to engage primarily with AHUON on issues affecting licensed Hajj operators.

They argued that such an approach, if sustained, could raise questions about inclusiveness, fairness and the legal basis for recognising one association over others.

The stakeholders further claimed that records on the Corporate Affairs Commission portal showed that AHUON, registered under RC 24067 on June 14, 2007, is currently listed as “Inactive,” urging the commission to clarify whether it had verified the association’s legal status before engaging it on policies affecting the industry.

The operators urged the commission to clarify its policy on recognising and engaging Hajj and Umrah operators’ associations, including the criteria used in determining which groups represent licensed operators.

They also called for a more transparent and inclusive consultation process, saying equal treatment and adherence to due process were necessary to strengthen confidence in the Hajj industry.

“We are calling on NAHCON to engage all legitimate stakeholders on matters affecting the Hajj and Umrah sector. Equal treatment, adherence to due process and respect for the rule of law are essential to strengthening confidence among operators and promoting the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Hajj industry,” one of the stakeholders said.

Responding to the allegations, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda-Usara, denied that any association was being sidelined, describing preparations for the 2027 Hajj as an ongoing process involving different categories of stakeholders.

“The preparation is stage by stage; it is ongoing. We had a meeting with states, there was a meeting with stakeholders, and the chairman had a meeting with them, although it was not elaborate,” she said. (Sunday PUNCH)

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