NAHCON opens licensing, slot allocation process for 2026 hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says the process for licensing and slot allocation for the 2026 hajj has commenced.

In a statement on Wednesday, the commission invited duly registered travel agencies to apply for licences and slot allocation.

“Interested companies must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), have a minimum share capital of N30 million, maintain a standard office, and secure valid IATA approval with accredited staff,” the statement reads.

“Applicants must show at least four years of satisfactory umrah services, while new entrants are expected to provide evidence of two umrah licences and one hajj licence.

“Agencies, their directors, or representatives must have no criminal record in Nigeria or Saudi Arabia, and must not have been indicted by any regulatory body.”

NAHCON said applications must be submitted online through the licensing portal after applicants pay a non-refundable fee of N300,000.

The commission added that a refundable security deposit of N50 million is also mandatory, in line with section 16(4) of the NAHCON (Establishment) Act, 2006.

“Successful applicants will be required to pay a licensing fee of N1 million, present details of their proposed hajj package, and provide a guarantor acceptable to the commission,” the statement added.

“They must also show evidence of airline bookings, confirmed accommodation in three-star hotels registered on the Saudi Ministry of Hajj portal, and details of pilgrims under their care.

“Accommodation in Madinah must be within the Markaziyyah area, while in Makkah it should not be more than 1km from the Haram, and where it exceeds 2km, shuttle buses must be provided.

“Applicants are to upload audited accounts for the last three years, tax clearance certificates valid until 31 December 2025, VAT remittance records, court affidavits of directors, and evidence of two years’ slot utilisation.

“Applicants are also expected to update their records with NAHCON if there are changes in their CAC filings, memorandum of association, office address, or staff responsible for hajj operations.

“Applications must be completed online through stos.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng, with full guidelines available on the portal.”

The commission said slot allocation will depend on availability, past performance, and evidence of non-indebtedness, adding that agencies with unresolved complaints, unpaid debts, or pending sanctions will not be considered.

“Failure to present proposed accommodation for inspection by 2 December 2025 may result in disqualification without notification, and all payments must come strictly from the company’s corporate account,” NAHCON warned.

The commission also cautioned that unauthorised changes in transport, tickets, or accommodation without pilgrims’ consent will constitute violations, and agencies with overstaying pilgrims in Saudi Arabia will face sanctions.