The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has formalised the 2026 Hajj contract agreement between Licensed Tour Operators and Rawaf Mina Company, marking a significant milestone in the preparations for the 2026 Hajj season.
A press release issued by Ahmad Mu’azu, the technical assistant (media) in the office of the NAHCON chairman, said the agreement was signed by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, and the CEO of Rawaf Mina Company, Mr Zuhair Abdel Hamid Sadayo, in a ceremony that highlighted the commission’s commitment to delivering outstanding services to Nigerian pilgrims.
Addressing the event, Professor Usman reminded the service provider of the expectations placed on them by Nigerian pilgrims.
He noted that pilgrims demand value for money, and the commission expects Rawaf Mina to meet those standards.
He stated that the company has been engaged since last year, saying their past challenges were identified and documented.
He said the commission expects improved performance and strict adherence to agreed timelines and service standards.
“Rawaf Mina is now our partner in progress,” he said, adding, “Working together last year, we have identified areas requiring improvement, and we are hopeful that you will perform better than last year and exceed expectations.”
Usman emphasised that the partnership represented a “shared responsibility to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive the quality of service they deserve for their investment in this sacred journey.”
In his remarks, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Olarenwaju Elegushi, reiterated the commission’s regulatory role in overseeing tour operators’ activities, saying, “This is one of the key responsibilities placed upon NAHCON, to regulate tour operators’ activities.”
He added: “While they are the major partners with Rawaf Mina, NAHCON will play its role in ensuring that pilgrims are well served.”
Responding to the commission’s expectations, the CEO of Rawaf Mina assured NAHCON of his organisation’s readiness to meet and surpass all expectations.
He thanked Nigerian tour operators for their confidence and stated that a dedicated technical team will resolve all issues raised.
“We are grateful to the tour operators for the confidence reposed to us. We have taken note of your observations and will form a technical team to address all concerns. We will make Nigerian pilgrims smile,” Sadayo pledged.
In his vote of thanks, Abdullateef Yusuf Ekundayo, National President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), expressed appreciation to NAHCON for its continued support and reiterated the tour operators’ commitment to collaboration.
He said: “We are ready to collaborate and work hand in hand with NAHCON for a successful operation. With the commitment of the CEO of Rawaf and the monitoring of NAHCON, we are looking forward to having the best operation, In-sha Allah.”
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Mohammed Auwal, Chairman of the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria (HUTON), and representatives of other lead companies participating in the 2026 Hajj operations.
The contract agreement represents NAHCON’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with service providers and ensure that Nigerian pilgrims experience seamless, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj.
