The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a reduction in the caution deposit payable by private tour operators for the 2025 Hajj from N50 million to N40 million with a view to easing the financial burden of the operators.

This formed part of the decisions reached at a critical meeting between the Hajj body and licenced Hajj tour operators to address key matters concerning the 2025 Hajj on Friday.

The meeting, chaired by NAHCON?s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Elegushi, deliberated on several operational issues aimed at improving Nigerian pilgrims? Hajj experience next year.

In order to provide tour operators with more time to meet necessary requirements, the commission granted an extension of the registration deadline for the 2025 Hajj by one week.

Prince Elegushi informed the tour operators of the Saudi Arabian authorities? decision to reduce the number of lead companies coordinating Hajj operations in the Holy Land from 40 to 20 for the 2025 season.

According to him, this would affect the operational framework for next year?s pilgrimage. He, therefore, urged tour operators to prepare for the adjustment.

On efforts being made by NAHCON to secure refunds for services paid for and not provided by Saudi service providers in previous Hajj seasons, Elegushi assured operators that the commission has escalated its request for these refunds.

The commissioner then advised tour operators seeking refunds of their caution deposit to formally write to the commission.

Speaking on the issue relating to bank guarantees, Prince Elegushi said that NAHCON was developing policies in line with international best practices with a view to ensuring that the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims was not only protected but also that risks for both operators and pilgrims were reduced.

Meanwhile, tour operators have been told that NAHCON had reached out to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to address concerns related to Umrah services.

Elegushi further told the meeting that the Saudi ministry had promised to look into issues relating to Umrah, adding that NAHCON was ready to send a high-powered delegation to Saudi Arabia to further discuss these concerns and seek resolutions.

A highlight of the meeting was a robust question-and-answer session, during which the commissioner addressed concerns raised by tour operators and reiterated NAHCON?s commitment to enhancing the experience for all Nigerian pilgrims. (Nigerian Tribune)

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