NAHCON: The MoU/Hajj and Umrah expo: Why the visit matters
By Mahmud Babangida Beli
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is currently engaged on what is regarded as the most crucial assignment in the annual Hajj preparatory calendar — the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and participation in the Hajj and Umrah Expo.
This visit sets the tone for every logistical and administrative arrangement.
First, the MoU signing between Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through NAHCON is a bi-national event where agreements that define Nigeria’s Hajj participation for the year is stamped. This event is conducted on a diplomatic corridor, bringing two nations together in collaboration and mutual understanding.
During the MoU, Saudi authorities finally determines the Nigeria’s pilgrims’ quota, seeks cooperation on Hajj policies and other service standards set within the Kingdom. By signing the MoU, Nigeria endorses the framework upon which Nigerian pilgrims would be cared for in Makkah, Madinah, and during the sacred rites.
Beyond the MoU, the delegation will participate in the Hajj and Umrah Expo; a global gathering that brings together all major players in the Hajj industry which serves as a marketplace of innovation, policy, dialogue, and collaboration. It provides a unique opportunity for research into the Hajj and Umrah industry. Hajj and Umrah exhibition are also a ground to meet technology developers, global Hajj administrators with whom to interact and learn emerging best practices. In addition, the forum offers a ground to interact and negotiate directly with Saudi service providers to secure best deals.
Needless to say, the pre-Hajj visit provides an avenue for early inspection of accommodation, catering, and transport facilities that enables the Commission, in collaboration with states, to identify and correct potential service lapses. Though late payment of Hajj fares impedes most positive outcomes of these plans, yet the early engagements translate to fewer logistical hiccups and leads to cost saving.
This visit is the foundation upon which the success of the 2026 Hajj will rest. It signals Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation and continuous improvement in the responsibility of managing Hajj.
Thus far, inspection of facilities has been ongoing in Madinah for catering and accommodation services while another group continues screening of documents of service providers on catering and accommodation services in Makkah. Similarly, the Commissioner in charge of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi engaged Private Tour Operators in a preparatory meeting towards finalizing on selection of service providers.
Among the members in the visit and carrying out the inspections are members from the National Assembly, representatives of NAHCON Board Members, representatives of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, representative of the presidency and of course NAHCON staff.
The NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman had charged members of the entourage to work diligently so that the outcome of this visit would deliver a more successful Hajj above last years’ experience.
By Mahmud Babangida Beli writes from NAHCON Information and Publications Division.
