The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially published the list of approved tour operators for the highly anticipated 2025 Hajj. This announcement is significant for Nigerians planning to travel for the pilgrimage, as it provides crucial information about certified agencies for the journey. The list was revealed in a statement issued on Friday by Fatima Sanda Usara, the Assistant Director of the Commission’s Information and Publications Division, marking a key step in the preparations for the 2025 Hajj season.
Usara took the opportunity to encourage all tour operators and members of the public to verify the authenticity of the list by visiting the Commission’s official website. She issued a strong warning against engaging in transactions with unlicensed tour operators, highlighting the potential risks involved in doing so and urging caution from travelers.
“Sequel to application and thorough screening of Tour Operator Companies that applied for the 2025 Hajj and Umrah Operations, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is happy to announce the list of successful companies as approved by the Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman,” the statement read. It continued by stating, “After the screening, 118 Private Tour Operators qualified for the License. The 10 lead companies were selected along three zones namely four from Kano zone, three from FCT zone and three from Lagos. The ten lead companies are selected in compliance with Saudi Arabian directives.”
The announcement has been met with great interest, as the list of approved operators ensures that pilgrims can book their Hajj arrangements with certified agencies that meet the required standards. In addition, the commission has reiterated its call for Nigerians intending to travel for the 2025 Hajj to observe all safety measures as directed by health and security authorities to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.
The Commission’s safety guidance includes important recommendations such as always wearing identification, listening to announcements, and obeying the instructions of police and security personnel to maintain order. Furthermore, travelers are encouraged to follow designated pathways and time slots during the rituals, particularly the stoning of the Jamarat, to avoid dangerous stampedes, heat strokes, and dehydration.
Travelers have also been advised to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and resting under shaded areas to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. The commission stressed the importance of knowing the locations of medical facilities, carrying necessary medications, practicing good hygiene, and wearing comfortable footwear to avoid injuries and fatigue from long periods of standing and walking during the pilgrimage.
Other key advice includes avoiding purchases from street vendors and unidentified sources to reduce the risk of fraud or receiving substandard goods. Additionally, pilgrims are urged to leave valuables at home and avoid carrying items such as ropes, knives, liquids, scissors, narcotic drugs, and Kolanuts, as these are prohibited in aircraft and during the pilgrimage itself. The list of approved tour operators and the accompanying safety guidelines form part of the Commission’s efforts to ensure a secure, efficient, and spiritually rewarding Hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims in 2025.