Due to this diplomatic factor, the Saudi government has approved a rise in the number of tour providers from 10, as previously reported, to 40.
In September, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia declared that just 5% of the Licensed Tour Operators from each country participating in the Hajj would be authorized to carry out the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. This percentage corresponds to a mere 10 operators from Nigeria.
Fatima Usara, assistant director of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), stated that the increase in slots was approved following persistent efforts by the Nigerian government to engage with the Saudi ministry. This engagement aimed to support the country's socioeconomic development by promoting local entrepreneurs.
After extensive discussions with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is delighted to inform that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has granted approval to the Federal Government of Nigeria's request to raise the number of slots for Tour Operators in 2024 from 10 to 40.
"As a gesture of respect, the Saudi ministry responsible for Hajj and Umrah revoked this decision in favor of Nigeria." As a result, the Commission established specific standards for evaluating the previously mentioned 110 qualified tour operators. These standards include factors like as operational capacity, years of experience, historical track record, and compliance with regulations.
Based on the information provided, the selection process was challenging as we carefully assessed the skills, expertise, and service quality of each operator. The top 40 candidates, as determined by a team of 7 experts, have been deemed eligible and are now officially approved.
The following companies have been approved: Hajj Mabrur Ventures LTD, Hamsyl Travel and Tours LTD, Gaskiya Tourism and T Agency LTD, Shebra Travels & Tours LTD, Alhujaaj International Umrah & Hajj Services LTD, Taura Travel and Tours LTD, Tafsan Towers & Travels LTD, Amisad Air Support Services LTD, and others.
NAHCON, however, encouraged those aged 40 and above to contemplate establishing alliances with other equally competent individuals who did not meet the selection requirements. This would be done in the spirit of commercial cooperation, in order to fulfill their religious responsibility.
The Commission wants to ensure that this collaboration is firmly established even before the clearance letters are issued, as it considers itself a stakeholder.
Thus, in line with the idea of inclusion, the Commission will soon convene a conference with all 110 qualifying operators to discuss potential collaborations and guarantee that all stakeholders are involved harmoniously.