2026 Hajj: NAHCON, private tour operators adopt Rawaf Mina as service provider

… commission inaugurates NUSUK Masar platform

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday informed that Nigerian licensed private tour operators had collectively agreed to adopt Saudi-based service provider, Rawaf Mina as the official Saudi service provider for private-sector pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

This decision, according to NAHCON’s Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, followed the commission’s intervention that prompted consultations among the Nigerian operators to dialogue with service providers.

Usara stated that the operators presented Rawaf Mina with specific service requests covering Masha’ir operations, transportation, catering and NUSUK integration, adding that the provider made commitments to these.

“This development is seen as a welcome collaboration towards enhancing service quality and strengthening cooperation between operators and service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“NAHCON continues to reiterate the importance of early registration and adherence to all guidelines issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding health guidelines, Hajj fare payments and other Saudi compliance requirements.

“Pilgrims are also advised to obtain written agreements from operators for all expected services and payments made,” she stated in a release she signed and made available to Tribune Online on Friday.

In another development, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on Friday inaugurated the NUSUK/Masar platform in the commission’s Ummul Judd office in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Usara informed that the 10-member team was expected to oversee, coordinate, and manage all aspects of the Nusuk Masar process for the 2026 Nigeria Hajj pilgrims, ensuring full compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations and alignment with the NAHCON’s strategic objectives.

It is also expected to coordinate the registration and processing of visas for eligible Nigerian pilgrims on the Nusuk Masar platform; follow the established approval process for execution of contracts and acquisition of services, as well as liaise with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and other relevant stakeholders on all Nusuk Masar-related matters.

According to Usara, the team was also saddled with the responsibility to ensure seamless integration between Nusuk Masar and NAHCON’s digital platforms; provide guidance and technical support to State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, private tour operators, and other stakeholders; and monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress of Nusuk Masar activities.

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