The Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has urged the Federal Government to review Hajj operations to enhance effective service delivery in line with international best practice.
The association made the call on Wednesday during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) themed, “Reforming the Tour Business for Effective Hajj/Umrah Administration in Nigeria” in Abuja.
In his address of welcome, Chairman of AHUON Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Abdulfatai Abdulmajeed, described the theme as timely, succinct and highly instructive.
Abdulmajeed said that there was a need for the association to carry out a surgical review of its activities and engage in serious soul-searching.
He called for unity among tour operators to enable effective service delivery.
“There is no doubt there could be grievances, the solution is not to divide and destroy the association.
“Sincere and concerted efforts should be made to create a forum where we address and agree on issues of common concern,” he said.
The President of AHUON, Imam Abdullateef Yusuf, said that no reforms could succeed without partnering with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Yusuf commended NAHCON for the early release of 2027 Hajj guidelines and for improved stakeholders’ engagement during the 2026 Hajj.
He pledged AHUON’S total support for reforms that would protect pilgrims and and strengthen the industry.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Yusuf, commended all stakeholders for their roles in the success of the 2026 Hajj operations.
Represented by Alhaji Abubakar Jalingo, Registrar of the National Hajj Institute, Yusuf pledged to embark on comprehensive reforms that would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Hajj industry.
“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims are well treated, ” he said.
Also present at the AGM were the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on NAHCON, Rep. Jafaru Mohammed and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Abubakar Bello.
Both lawmakers pledged to ensure legislative support for reforms that would enable the operators to play more of the operational roles while NAHCON assumes a more effective regulatory function.
Presenting a paper on theme of the AGM, Ustaz Abubakar Muhammad, an AHOUN BoT member, called for a more conducive business environment for private tour operators.
Muhammad said that the private operators should be empowered to drive a world class pilgrimage ecosystem.
“NAHCON should embrace its role as a genuine regulator, enforcing standards, applying sanctions, and consistently stepping back from commercial interference,” he said. (NAN)
