Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has come under sharp criticism from Hajj and Umrah operators over what they describe as a deliberate and unfair exclusion of recognised tour operators' associations from key consultations on preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage. The operators have accused the commission of engaging only one association, the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), in discussions on the newly introduced N250 million bank guarantee requirement, while sidelining other legitimate industry groups. The controversy has deepened following revelations that AHUON is reportedly listed as "Inactive" on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal, raising serious questions about the legal and regulatory basis for the commission's selective engagement.
In a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the aggrieved operators expressed concern that NAHCON held consultations with AHUON without involving the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria (HUTOUN) and other recognised industry groups. 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 CAC 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 called on NAHCON to clarify its policy on recognising and engaging Hajj and Umrah operators' associations, including the criteria used in determining which groups represent licensed operators, and demanded a more transparent and inclusive consultation process, saying equal treatment and adherence to due process were necessary to strengthen confidence in the Hajj industry.
The controversy comes after NAHCON announced a new N250 million bank guarantee requirement for private tour operators seeking to participate in the 2027 Hajj exercise, a policy that has generated widespread debate within the industry, with operators expressing concerns over its potential impact on participation, competition, and the financial viability of smaller firms. According to participants familiar with the meeting, NAHCON indicated its intention to engage primarily with AHUON on issues relating to licensed Hajj and Umrah tour operators, a development that has triggered questions among industry stakeholders seeking clarification on the legal and regulatory basis for the commission's reported approach.
Legal practitioner Surajo Abdul has weighed in on the controversy, citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees every citizen and organisation the right to freedom of association. He argued that NAHCON's reported approach appears to cut against that guarantee, adding that while Section 4(1)(a) of the NAHCON Act does give the commission authority to regulate and supervise associations involved in Hajj and Umrah operations, that power does not allow it to sideline duly registered associations or show preference for one body over others. "Every legally recognised and compliant Hajj and Umrah operators' association should have equal access to engagement with the Commission," Abdul said, stressing that regulatory oversight must be exercised fairly, impartially and without discrimination.
Among the questions being directed at NAHCON are why it is engaging primarily with one association on key policy decisions, whether it has confirmed the current legal status of that association, and what formal criteria it applies when deciding which body represents licensed operators. Stakeholders have called on NAHCON to publish a clear policy on how it recognises and engages Hajj and Umrah operators' associations. They urged the commission to adopt an inclusive approach that brings all legitimate stakeholders to the table on industry-wide decisions, saying equal treatment and adherence to due process are vital to building confidence among operators and ensuring the long-term development of Nigeria's Hajj and Umrah sector.
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. However, her assurances have done little to quell the discontent among operators, who insist that the commission must engage all legitimate stakeholders on matters affecting the Hajj and Umrah sector.
The controversy has once again exposed the deep-seated tensions within Nigeria's Hajj industry, where operators have long complained of opaque decision-making, favouritism, and a lack of meaningful consultation by the regulatory body. The N250 million bank guarantee requirement, which NAHCON has defended as necessary to protect pilgrims and improve service delivery, has been met with scepticism by many operators who fear it will drive smaller players out of business and concentrate the market in the hands of a few well-capitalised firms. The exclusion of other associations from consultations on this critical policy has only reinforced the perception that NAHCON is operating with a closed-door approach, shutting out the very stakeholders whose cooperation is essential for the success of the Hajj exercise.
For the aggrieved operators, the issue is not just about the bank guarantee or the consultations; it is about the fundamental principles of fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. They are demanding that NAHCON treat all legitimate associations equally, engage in genuine consultation, and provide clear criteria for its recognition and engagement of industry groups. As one stakeholder put it, "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." Whether NAHCON will heed these calls or continue down the path of selective engagement remains to be seen, but the operators have made it clear that they will not remain silent in the face of what they perceive as a fundamental injustice.
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