Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has finally approved Nigeria’s request for an additional number of tour operators to convey unconventional pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
By this single diplomatic consideration, the Saudi authority has granted an upward increase to 40 tour operators against 10 earlier announced.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced in September that only 5% of each Hajj-participating country’s Licensed Tour Operators would be permitted to conduct the 2024 Hajj exercise, a percent that translated to only 10 from Nigeria.
Fatima Usara, assistant director, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), said the approval for more slots came after the Federal Government of Nigeria unrelentingly engaged the Saudi ministry over the Nigerian government’s course of promoting indigenous entrepreneurs as a tool in sustaining the country’s socioeconomic development.
“Sequel to numerous consultations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is pleased to announce that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved Federal Government of Nigeria’s demand to increase the 2024 slots of Tour Operators from 10 to 40.
“In honour, the Saudi ministry in charge of Hajj and Umrah rescinded this decision in Nigeria’s favour. Consequently, the Commission laid down criteria in screening the earlier announced 110 qualified tour operators using, among others, parameters including Capacity of operation; Years of experience; Historical antecedents; and Clean bill of operation.
“On the strength of the foregoing, the process of selection was tough having evaluated each operator’s ability, experience, and quality of services. As a result, the top 40 after scoring by a 7-man team of experts were adjudged to qualify and are hereby approved.”
Those approved are 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 among others.
NAHCON however urged those in the category of 40 to considering forming alliance with others who are equally qualified but could not scale through the selection criteria, in the spirit of business partnership, to discharge the religious obligation.
“The Commission would like to assure that, as a stakeholder, it is desirous of ensuring that this partnership is entrenched even before the issuance of letters of approval.
“Therefore, and in the principle of inclusivity, the Commission will soon hold a meeting with the overall 110 qualified operators in order to explore avenues of synergy to ensure all parties are carried along amicably.”
