In a significant development resulting from extensive consultations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is delighted to announce that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has granted approval for the Federal Government of Nigeria's request to increase the 2024 slots for Tour Operators from 10 to 40.

This decision follows a change in policy by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which initially stipulated in September that only 5% of licensed Tour Operators from each participating country would be allowed to facilitate the 2024 Hajj exercise. This allocation translated to a mere 10 slots for Nigeria. However, the Federal Government of Nigeria persistently engaged with the Saudi ministry, emphasizing the promotion of indigenous entrepreneurs as a vital tool for sustaining the country's socioeconomic development. In response to this diplomatic effort, the Saudi ministry overseeing Hajj and Umrah reversed its decision in favor of Nigeria.

Consequently, NAHCON established stringent criteria for screening the initially announced 110 qualified tour operators. Parameters considered included capacity of operation, years of experience, historical antecedents, and a clean bill of operation. The selection process, carried out by a 7-man team of experts, rigorously evaluated each operator's ability, experience, and quality of services. As a result, the top 40 operators have been adjudged to meet the criteria and are hereby approved:

1. Hajj Mabrur Ventures LTD.

2. Hamsyl Travel and Tours LTD.

3. Gaskiya Tourism and T Agency LTD.

4. Shebra Travels & Tours LTD.

5. Alhujaaj International Umrah & Hajj Services LTD.

6. Taura Travel and Tours LTD.

7. Tafsan Towers & Travels LTD.

8. Amisad Air Support Services LTD.

9. Al-Qibla Travels and Tours LTD.

10. Danbare Travels Agency LTD.

11. Masanawa Travel and Tours LTD.

12. Travels Express LTD.

13. Strive Wata Travel and Tours LTD.

14. Maqbuul International Limited.

15. Matasa World Wide T Agency LTD.

16. Arafat Air Services Nigeria LTD.

17. Murna Travel Agency LTD.

18. Dala Air Services LTD.

19. Libra Gold Travels & Tours LTD.

20. Omosa Travels LTD.

21. An-Noor Air Services LTD.

22. Pyramid Travel and Tours LTD.

23. Snowbal Travels and Tours LTD.

24. Focal Point Travels LTD.

25. Comerel Travels & Tours LTD.

26. Tomeb Travels & Tours.

27. Asan Umrah Company LTD.

28. Amami Global Links LTD.

29. Zango Travel & Tours LTD.

30. Al-Halal Travel & Tours LTD.

31. Dija Travels & Tours LTD.

32. Al-Rahma for Hajj and Umrah Services Limited.

33. Qiblah International Services LTD.

34. Karamchi Travel & Tours LTD.

35. Allahu Nuru Travels and Tours LTD.

36. Dar Al-Islam Hajj & Umrah LTD.

37. H.A.M Travel Air Services Limited.

38. Imam Travels and Tours Nigeria Limited.

39. Skybird Travels and Tours LTD.

40. Al-Kauthar Travels & Tours LTD.

In the spirit of fostering business partnerships, NAHCON encourages the remaining 70 qualified operators (from the initial 110) to consider collaborating with the approved 40 in fulfilling this religious obligation. The Commission affirms its commitment to ensuring that this partnership is solidified even before the issuance of official approval letters.

In the pursuit of inclusivity, NAHCON will soon convene a meeting with all 110 qualified operators to explore avenues for synergy, ensuring that all stakeholders are carried along amicably.

Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON