The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the application process for travel agencies seeking licenses and slot allocations for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The Commission urged interested firms to complete their registration before the deadline of September 15, 2025.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NAHCON said: “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) hereby informs all duly registered travel agencies interested in the 2026 Hajj Operation that arrangements for licensing and slot allocation have commenced. Interested agencies are invited to apply for the grant of the 2026 Hajj license and slot allocation.”
The Commission reminded applicants that Saudi authorities have already fixed strict deadlines for all processes related to the Hajj and will not entertain any extensions. It further stressed that violations of visa regulations attract severe penalties, with offenders facing fines of 20,000 Riyals (₦8.15 million) and possible imprisonment.
According to NAHCON, only companies that meet its corporate, financial, and regulatory standards will be considered.
The requirements according to the commission include:
Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with a minimum share capital of ₦30 million.
Possession of valid International Air Transport Association (IATA) approval and IATA-accredited staff.
A proven track record of providing satisfactory Umrah or Hajj services.
A minimum of four years of Umrah licensing history (for new applicants) or at least one Hajj license for existing operators.
Evidence of utilisation of previous Umrah licenses.
In addition to this, applicants and their directors must have no history of criminal conviction in Nigeria or Saudi Arabia nor any record of indictment by Hajj, aviation or regulatory authorities.
The successful companies will also be required to:
Pay a licensing fee of ₦1 million for the 2026 Hajj operation.
Provide details of their proposed Hajj package.
Present a reputable guarantor for each group of pilgrims.
Submit evidence of confirmed flight bookings with approved carriers.
Show proof of accommodation arrangements for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Travel agencies must further update their corporate and administrative records with NAHCON, including audited accounts, tax clearance certificates, and details of directors and Hajj management staff.
The Commission warned that applications from indebted companies, those with unresolved complaints or firms that fail to present accommodation facilities for inspection by December 2, 2025, will be rejected outright.
Agencies that alter transportation or accommodation arrangements without pilgrims’ consent will face sanctions. Similarly, companies that cannot account for pilgrims who absconded after Hajj or Umrah operations will also be penalized.
NAHCON assured stakeholders that the entire licensing and slot allocation process will be transparent. It emphasized that all payments must be made strictly from corporate accounts, adding that it will not be responsible for any financial losses incurred during the process.
The Commission also reminded travel agencies that the final deadline for securing Masha’ir Camp bookings in Saudi Arabia is January 4, 2026.
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