The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reduced the mandatory bank guarantee for licensed private Hajj operators from ₦250 million to ₦100 million after considering concerns raised by the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN).
The decision was conveyed in a letter dated August 3, 2026, in which the commission acknowledged AHOUN’s appeal against aspects of the newly introduced operational guidelines for the 2027 Hajj exercise, particularly the ₦250 million bank guarantee requirement.
NAHCON said it carefully reviewed the association’s submissions, taking into account concerns over the financial burden and operational implications of the policy amid prevailing economic realities.
According to the commission, the reduction of the bank guarantee to ₦100 million is intended to strike a balance between addressing operators’ concerns and protecting the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
It explained that the revised requirement would also support its broader objectives of promoting transparency in Hajj service delivery, strengthening accountability, and enhancing professionalism within the private Hajj sector.
The letter, signed by Hafsatu Baba Tela on behalf of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, expressed appreciation to AHOUN for its constructive engagement and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to implementing reforms aimed at improving the conduct of the 2027 Hajj operations.
