By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a stern warning to Hajj operators against engaging in unauthorized Tent A+ service arrangements, following the official closure of the Saudi visa portal which left 2,717 Nigerian intending pilgrims stranded.

In a statement signed Monday June 2, 2025, by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication, NAHCON expressed deep disappointment over its unsuccessful plea to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for a brief reopening of the visa portal.

The Commission had hoped the move would accommodate last-minute pilgrims, but the request was not granted.

?Despite the setback, we urge affected pilgrims to remain faithful, knowing that Hajj is ultimately a call from Allah,? the statement read, adding that early preparation is essential to avoid similar disappointment in future.

NAHCON disclosed that it had extended visa and payment deadlines on four separate occasions, beginning with fare remittance up to the final visa issuance deadline of April 19, 2025.

Yet many pilgrims submitted their payments late, prompting NAHCON to successfully seek a one-month visa processing extension, which ended on May 19.

At the time of the visa shutdown, 13,217 visas had been issued to Tour Operator Companies, out of 14,158 registered private-sector pilgrims. The public sector also benefited from NAHCON?s earlier interventions, including the allocation of Masha?ir slots.

However, NAHCON raised concerns about reports of some operators securing Tent A+ services through third-party vendors not recognized by the Commission.

?For the 2025 Hajj, NAHCON recognizes only Rawaf Mina Company as the authorized provider of Tent A+ services,? the statement stressed. ?Operators engaging outside this arrangement do so at their own risk.?

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive world-class services, calling on all stakeholders to adhere strictly to approved guidelines and work within Saudi Arabia?s regulatory framework.

NAHCON assured that it will continue engaging Saudi authorities to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims across both public and private sectors.

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