The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has kicked off a two-day professional capacity-building workshop in Kano and Lagos for licensed Hajj and Umrah tour operators to enhance regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and overall pilgrim satisfaction ahead of the 2027 Hajj exercise.

?The initiative, titled Professional Certificate Programme in Hajj/Umrah Operations and Pilgrim Service Management, is taking place on October 26 and 27, 2026.

It is organized by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN) in partnership with the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) and the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria (HUTON).

?Declaring the event open, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, noted that the training is designed to align Nigerian operators with global shifts in the Hajj industry.

These changes are driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms and the transition toward a business-to-business (B2B) model aimed at privatizing pilgrim management.

He revealed that NAHCON secured a three year phased transition agreement with Saudi authorities,

starting with 30 percent private-sector participation in 2027, to allow sufficient time for operators to build capacity and for Nigeria to solidify its regulatory framework.

?Ambassador Yusuf urged participants to adhere strictly to high professional standards, emphasizing that pilgrim welfare must take priority over commercial gains.

He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to digital transformation, professional certification, and robust regulatory oversight.

?HIN Rector, Professor Muhammad Nasirudeen Maiturare, underscored that professional training is indispensable in modern pilgrimage administration.

He highlighted the importance of mastering corporate governance, risk management, operational logistics, and international service benchmarks.

He further outlined HIN’s strategic academic offerings, including an MBA in Hajj Operations Management offered in partnership with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a National Diploma in Hospitality and Hajj Management recognized by the National Board for Technical Education.

?The intensive training covers key modules such as professional ethics, integrated operations management, lessons from the 2026 Hajj, leadership, conflict resolution, pilgrim welfare, and effective engagement with Saudi service providers.

Ultimately, the initiative aims to build a professional, competitive, and pilgrim-centered Hajj and Umrah sector in Nigeria.