NAHCON Sets the Ball Rolling for 2026 Hajj, Inaugurates Screening Committee for Tour Operators in Abuja
In a move aimed at ensuring early preparation and proper coordination ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Monday, 29th September 2025, officially inaugurated the Screening Committee for Hajj Tour Operators at its headquarters, popularly known as the Hajj House, in Abuja.
The inauguration marks the beginning of the regulatory process for selecting licensed private tour operators who will be authorized to facilitate Hajj services for Nigerian pilgrims in the 2026 season. The committee is expected to rigorously assess applications and vet the credentials of prospective operators, ensuring they meet the commission’s standards for competence, financial capacity, and operational integrity.
NAHCON, as the apex body responsible for the supervision, coordination, and regulation of Hajj operations in Nigeria, reiterated its commitment to upholding transparency and professionalism in the selection process. Officials emphasized that the goal is to ensure that only qualified and credible operators are cleared to handle the spiritual and logistical responsibilities tied to the sacred pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking during the brief but symbolic ceremony, NAHCON leadership stated that the early constitution of the committee is part of the commission’s proactive planning strategy to avoid last-minute rushes and lapses that could affect service delivery to pilgrims. They noted that the experiences from the 2024 and 2025 Hajj operations have informed key adjustments and reforms going forward.
The Screening Committee, comprising experts in legal, financial, administrative, and Hajj-specific matters, is charged with evaluating the records of intending operators, verifying past performance, and ensuring compliance with updated guidelines. This is especially crucial in light of recent reforms introduced by Saudi Arabian authorities, which require all participating countries to demonstrate strict adherence to operational standards.
By taking this early step, NAHCON sends a strong message to stakeholders in the Hajj sector that accountability and service excellence remain non-negotiable. The commission also used the opportunity to advise interested tour operators to approach the process with seriousness, honesty, and full disclosure, as any attempt to circumvent the rules would lead to outright disqualification.
The development underscores Nigeria’s continued commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of its pilgrims, many of whom save for years to embark on the sacred journey. With this inauguration, the groundwork has been laid for a more efficient, safe, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience in 2026.
In a renewed effort to boost participation in the annual Islamic pilgrimage, the government of Bangladesh has once again reduced the cost of its official Hajj package for the 2026 season, this time by an additional $100. The move comes amid ongoing struggles to fill the country’s full Hajj quota for the third consecutive year, despite previous interventions aimed at making the journey more affordable.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Dhaka confirmed that the minimum Hajj package under the government scheme is now set at $3,890. This package includes accommodation in Makkah’s Aziziya area—a location often considered more cost-effective than options closer to the Grand Mosque. The decision to reduce costs further was largely influenced by the twin challenges of persistent inflation and soaring airfare prices, which have continued to deter many prospective pilgrims.
According to officials, Bangladesh has consistently fallen short of its Saudi-approved Hajj quota of 127,198 pilgrims since 2023. In the 2025 season, despite a 20% price cut that aimed to ease the financial burden, the increase in turnout was minimal, with just 2,000 additional pilgrims registering compared to the previous year.
Speaking to the media, Abdul Awal Hawlader, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, acknowledged that while efforts had been made to make the pilgrimage more accessible, high air travel costs remained a key stumbling block. He noted that this latest price reduction is part of a broader strategy to encourage wider participation by lowering entry barriers, especially for middle- and lower-income pilgrims.
Registration for the 2026 Hajj is currently underway, with the deadline set for October 12. As of the latest update, over 50,000 preliminary applications have been received—an encouraging figure, though still far from the national target.
Government officials are optimistic that the new pricing structure, combined with early awareness campaigns and improved package options, will help attract more pilgrims in the coming months. Stakeholders in the Hajj travel sector are also being engaged to offer more competitive airfares and streamline services to support the government’s target.
The revised package is being positioned as a balanced option that maintains service quality while addressing the financial realities many Bangladeshis currently face. Authorities have also indicated that additional support mechanisms may be introduced if turnout still falls short of expectations.
With Saudi Arabia maintaining its strict annual quota system for each country, unfilled slots not only represent a missed spiritual opportunity for citizens but also potential diplomatic and logistical setbacks. Bangladesh, a country with a large Muslim population and a deep-rooted tradition of Hajj participation, is hoping these latest reforms will help reverse the recent trend of under-enrolment and ensure more of its citizens can fulfill the sacred pilgrimage.
