The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has commenced a two-day training programme for licensed Hajj and Umrah tour operators to strengthen regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and pilgrim welfare ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.

NAHCON, in a statement released by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed, on Monday, said the programme, which began on October 26, 2026, was organised by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria in collaboration with the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria and the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria.

The commission said the Professional Certificate Programme in Hajj/Umrah Operations and Pilgrim Service Management would hold on Monday and Tuesday, October 26 and 27, 2026.

The statement read, “Declaring the programme open, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the initiative would prepare Nigerian operators for changes in the global Hajj industry driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms and the emerging business-to-business model, which seeks to transition the management of Hajj pilgrims to the private sector.

“He disclosed that NAHCON had secured a three-year phased transition arrangement with the Saudi authorities, beginning with 30 per cent private-sector participation in 2027, to provide time for strengthening Nigeria’s regulatory framework and preparing operators for increased responsibilities.

“The Chairman urged operators to uphold professional standards, emphasising that ‘the welfare of pilgrims must remain above commercial considerations.’ He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to professional certification, digital transformation and effective regulatory oversight.”

The Rector of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, Professor Muhammad Nasirudeen Maiturare, said professional training was vital to effective pilgrimage management, stressing the importance of expertise in governance, risk management and international service standards.

He also highlighted the institute’s academic programmes, including an MBA in Hajj Operations Management with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a National Diploma in Hospitality and Hajj Management with the National Board for Technical Education.

The statement said the programme featured sessions on professional ethics, integrated operations management, lessons from the 2026 Hajj, leadership, conflict resolution, pilgrim welfare and collaboration with Saudi service providers.

It added that the initiative was expected to strengthen operators’ preparedness for Hajj 2027 and support NAHCON’s efforts to build a professional, competitive and pilgrim-centred Hajj and Umrah industry in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj quota was increased from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims following Saudi Arabia’s approval of an additional 10,000 slots on October 1.