Summary:
Securing a Hajj and Umrah tour operator license in Nigeria is governed exclusively by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). To qualify, an agency must meet stringent eligibility criteria—including a minimum share capital, valid IATA accreditation, and a spotless legal record—before applying through NAHCON’s online portal. Key fees include a non-refundable application fee, sizeable refundable security deposit, and a licensing fee, alongside per-pilgrim service charges and bank guarantees. This article distills all requirements, procedures, costs, and FAQs into clear steps and tables, ensuring comprehensive compliance with NAHCON regulations from start to finish.
1. Overview of the Licensing Authority
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is the sole authority responsible for regulating, licensing, and supervising Hajj and Umrah tour operators in Nigeria. Established by the NAHCON (Establishment) Act 2006, the Commission’s mandate includes ensuring safety, accountability, and quality of services rendered to Nigerian pilgrims.
2. Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, your travel agency must satisfy the following mandatory conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Corporate Registration | Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). |
| Minimum Share Capital | ₦30,000,000 (Thirty Million Naira) |
| IATA Accreditation | Valid IATA agency approval and accredited staff |
| Operational History | Licensed by NAHCON for at least 3 consecutive years with satisfactory Umrah services |
| Legal Standing | No criminal record by Nigerian or Saudi Arabian courts |
| Financial Compliance | Audited accounts, Tax Clearance Certificate, VAT registration |
| Statutory Documents | Certified copies of CAC Forms C02 & C07 or Status report; Memorandum & Articles of Association |
3. Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide
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Prepare Documentation
Gather all statutory and financial documents as outlined above. -
Online Registration
Visit the NAHCON Hajj Licensing Portal athttps://hto.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ngand click “New Registration”. -
Pay Application Fee
Settle the non-refundable application fee ₦300,000 via the portal’s payment gateway. -
Deposit Security
Upload evidence of a ₦50,000,000 refundable security deposit as mandated by recent circulars. -
Upload Documents
Scan and upload all required documents—including audited accounts, tax clearance, and police affidavits—directly to the portal. -
Bank Guarantee
Provide a bank guarantee (BG) of ₦40,000,000 per the 2025 requirement. -
Submission & Acknowledgment
Finalise your submission and download the acknowledgment slip confirming receipt of your application. -
Scrutiny & Inspection
NAHCON will vet your application and may inspect your corporate office or proposed accommodations in Saudi Arabia. -
License Fee Payment
Upon provisional approval, pay the ₦1,000,000 licensing fee to activate your Hajj license for the season. -
License Issuance
Receive and display your license prominently at your registered office. You are now authorised to market Hajj and Umrah packages.
4. Fee Structure and Cost Breakdown
| Fee Component | Amount | Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₦300,000 | Non-refundable | News Express (NewsExpressNG) News Express Nigeria |
| Security Deposit | ₦50,000,000 | Refundable | News Express (NewsExpressNG) News Express Nigeria |
| Bank Guarantee | ₦40,000,000 | Mandatory | Africa Security Investigation Africa Security Investigation News |
| Licensing Fee | ₦1,000,000 | One-time fee | Africa Security Investigation Africa Security Investigation News |
| Per-Pilgrim Service Charge | USD 100 (~₦160,000 @ $1=₦1,600) | Variable, per pilgrim | Africa Security Investigation Africa Security Investigation News |
| Minimum Share Capital | ₦30,000,000 | Capital requirement | NAHCON Guidelines stos.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng |
Note: All payments must be remitted from the agency’s corporate bank account. Any deviation will invalidate the application stos.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng.
5. Required Documents
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| Corporate | CAC Certificate, CAC Forms C02 & C07 or Status Report, Memorandum & Articles of Association |
| Financial | Audited Account for last 3 years, FIRS Tax Clearance, VAT Registration |
| Professional | Valid IATA accreditation certificate, staff CVs, NYSC discharge certificate (if applicable) |
| Legal | Police report or court affidavit for directors, criminal record checks |
| Operational | Evidence of prior Umrah operations, contracts or agreements with Saudi service providers |
| Guarantees & Deposits | Bank Guarantee letter, evidence of security deposit payment |
6. Common Misconceptions
-
“A travel agency licensed for Umrah automatically gets a Hajj license.”
False. Only agencies with three consecutive years of Umrah operations may apply; prior Umrah licensing alone is insufficient. -
“Security deposit is non-refundable.”
False. The ₦50 million deposit is refundable after successful completion of Hajj operations, less any penalties. -
“NAHCON dictates your package pricing.”
False. While NAHCON sets service-charge ceilings (e.g., USD 100/pilgrim), operators retain autonomy over package composition and pricing. -
“Bank guarantees are optional if you’ve paid the deposit.”
False. Both the ₦50 million deposit and the ₦40 million bank guarantee are mandatory and serve different security functions.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (Curated from “People Also Ask”)
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How much does it cost to get a Hajj tour operator license in Nigeria?
The total initial outlay includes a ₦300,000 application fee, ₦50 million security deposit, ₦40 million bank guarantee, and ₦1 million licensing fee, plus USD 100 per pilgrim service charge. -
What is the minimum share capital required?
₦30 million, as mandated by NAHCON for all tour operators. -
Can a new travel agency apply?
No; only agencies licensed for at least three consecutive years for Umrah operations are eligible. -
How long does the licensing process take?
Typically 6–8 weeks, including portal submission, document verification, and potential inspections. -
Is the security deposit refundable?
Yes, subject to satisfactory performance and absence of financial or regulatory infractions. -
Can foreign travel companies obtain a Nigerian Hajj license?
Foreign entities must first register a Nigerian subsidiary with CAC, meeting all local capital and operational requirements.
8. Conclusion
Obtaining a Hajj and Umrah tour operator license in Nigeria demands meticulous preparation, significant financial commitment, and strict adherence to NAHCON’s guidelines. By following the step-by-step procedure outlined above, and ensuring full compliance with eligibility criteria, documentation, and fee payments, eligible travel agencies can secure their license efficiently and confidently, positioning themselves to serve Nigerian pilgrims on the sacred journey to Makkah and Madinah.
