Mashariq Al Dhahabiah Al Mutawazi, a Saudi Arabian company contracted by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide services for Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj, has raised concerns over what it considers a breach of contract by NAHCON. The company, which had been tasked with offering services in Muna and Arafah for the upcoming pilgrimage, has given NAHCON a 20-day ultimatum to resolve the issue or face international arbitration.
In a letter dated February 17, 2025, addressed to the head of Nigerian pilgrims’ affairs in Makkah, Mashariq Al Dhahabiah expressed its frustration with the National Hajj Commission’s actions. The company claims that NAHCON has violated their agreement by splitting the contract with another service provider, Ikram Diyafa, despite an initial understanding that Mashariq Al Dhahabiah would be the sole provider for Nigerian pilgrims.
The contract between Mashariq Al Dhahabiah and NAHCON was signed on January 17, 2025, to ensure adequate services for Nigerian pilgrims during the Hajj. However, concerns arose when the forum representing state pilgrims’ welfare boards alleged that NAHCON’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, had canceled the agreement just days before payment deadlines for participating countries. While the chairman denied these allegations, stating that the decision was made by Saudi Arabian authorities, it has now emerged that the contract may have been altered.
Mashariq Al Dhahabiah has stated that the total number of pilgrims it was assigned to serve was 26,287, despite NAHCON’s earlier announcement that it had secured tent space for 52,544 Nigerians. This suggests that the remaining pilgrims, approximately 26,257 in number, would be served by Ikram Diyafa, causing further conflict.
In its letter to NAHCON, Mashariq Al Dhahabiah warned that the commission’s actions are a direct violation of the contract’s terms, particularly Clause (1) of Article IV, which specifies that the company should have exclusive rights to serve the pilgrims. The company also criticized NAHCON for failing to provide a clear breakdown of the pilgrims’ numbers in accordance with the agreement. This failure, Mashariq Al Dhahabiah claims, has caused significant harm to the company, which had made extensive preparations for the 2025 Hajj season based on the initial contract.
Read letter below: “Given that the number of pilgrims whose data you have provided to us and who are registered in the Massar (NUSUK) system for international pilgrims’ services amounts to (26,287) pilgrims as of this date, your contracting with one or more companies other than Mashariq Al Dhahabiah for pilgrim services constitutes a clear violation of the aforementioned clause. This is especially true since Mashariq Al Dhahabiah has taken all necessary measures to serve the pilgrims arriving from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as outlined in the previous correspondence shared with you.
“In addition to your failure to comply with the provisions of Clause (1) of Article IV of the contract for providing services to the Nigerian Hajj delegation for the Hajj season 1446AH, it has been demonstrated through practical experience during the previous period that you have not shown seriousness in fulfilling the aforementioned obligations. Following up on our previous correspondence regarding the registration of all pilgrims arriving from the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Massar (NUSUK) system for international pilgrims within the deadlines specified by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, it has come to our attention that the Nigerian Pilgrims Affairs Office has contracted with other service providers to offer services to pilgrims arriving from Nigeria for the Hajj season (1446 AH), excluding Mashariq Al Dhahabiah for pilgrim services, without obtaining the approval of Mashariq Al Dhahabiah for pilgrims services”, it said.
“The First Party (your office) is obligated to ensure that the number of pilgrims arriving to perform the Hajj rituals for the season of 1446AH is (95,000) pilgrims, following the instructions of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This number includes males, females, and children. The First Party also commits to providing the Second Party (Mashariq Al Dhahabiah) with a detailed statement of the numbers for each gender and age group by 1446/08/08AH, corresponding to 2025/02/7. This is especially true since Mashariq Al Dhahabiah has taken all necessary measures to serve the pilgrims arriving from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as outlined in the previous correspondence shared with you. Despite issuing several pledges to contract with Mashariq Al Dhahabiah for pilgrim services for the full share of pilgrims under the Nigerian Pilgrims Affairs Office or through Hajj tourism companies, unfortunately, we have not observed any actions from your side reflecting your commitment to fulfilling these obligations. On the contrary, you have contracted with other service providers instead of Mashariq Al Dhahabiah for pilgrim services, which has caused significant harm to the company”, it said.
It added: “Therefore, and in reference to Article (21) of the aforementioned contract, which stipulates the following: Any dispute arising in relation to the implementation or interpretation of the terms and conditions of this agreement shall be resolved mutually between the two parties within twenty (20) days. Otherwise, it shall be referred to arbitration. Each party shall appoint an arbitrator and bear the associated costs, while the third arbitrator shall be jointly appointed by both parties, and the costs shall be shared equally.”
“Please note that if you fail to respond to the contents of this letter, the company will proceed to implement the provisions of Article (21) of the aforementioned contract. We kindly request your acknowledgment and attention to this matter,” it said.
