By Yusuf Bello
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclosed that Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its 2027 Hajj allocation, leaving the country’s quota unchanged at 50,000 pilgrims.
The Commission said it had formally engaged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek additional slots in response to growing demand from intending Nigerian pilgrims and requests from various state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
However, the Saudi authorities reportedly cited capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining approved country quotas under the current operational framework.
Under the approved allocation, Nigeria will have 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for pilgrims travelling through licensed tour operators.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the Commission understood the disappointment that the decision might cause intending pilgrims and state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
Yusuf said NAHCON had explored available diplomatic and operational channels to secure an increase but respected the final decision of the Saudi authorities.
“We appreciate the deep spiritual desire of many Nigerian Muslims to perform Hajj and understand the expectations of states and stakeholders seeking additional slots.
“While every effort was made to secure an upward review, the Saudi authorities have communicated their final position based on operational realities and capacity considerations,” he said.
The NAHCON chairman urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to ensure the judicious and transparent allocation of the approved slots.
He also directed all stakeholders to comply with the timelines set by the Commission and the Saudi Nusuk platform.
Yusuf specifically reiterated that the deadline for uploading the data of prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj remains September 26, 2026, stressing that there would be no extension.
“Kindly note that the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ data remains September 26, 2026.
“We urge all partners, state pilgrim boards, tour operators and representatives to ensure that all required information is submitted before this date, as no extensions will be granted,” he said.
For intending pilgrims unable to secure slots for the 2027 pilgrimage, Yusuf urged them not to lose hope, disclosing that registration for the 2028 Hajj had already commenced.
“Individuals who were unable to secure a slot for the upcoming Hajj are encouraged to register for the 2028 Hajj. The Commission has officially opened the registration portal for this period, and applications are now being accepted,” he added.
Yusuf reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to transparency, equity and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, assuring stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 Hajj were progressing steadily.
He said further updates on operational guidelines and the implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj would be communicated through official NAHCON channels.
The Commission appealed to stakeholders to cooperate with the quota system approved by Saudi Arabia, noting that the arrangement applies to participating countries and is intended to facilitate a smooth and orderly pilgrimage operation.
