The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclosed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.
In a statement signed by the Management of the Commission, the decision means Nigeria’s approved quota remains unchanged at 50,000 pilgrims, comprising 35,000 pilgrims under the government quota and 15,000 slots allocated to licensed Hajj tour operators.
NAHCON said it had formally approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek an upward review of Nigeria’s allocation in response to the rising demand for Hajj and requests from various State Pilgrims Welfare Boards for additional slots.
However, the Saudi authorities reportedly cited existing capacity limitations, operational considerations and constraints within the holy sites, as well as the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining approved country quotas.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, acknowledged the concerns that the decision may generate among intending pilgrims, state Hajj boards and other stakeholders who had hoped for additional slots.
He said the Commission had explored available diplomatic and operational channels in an effort to secure an increase but would respect the position communicated by 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,” the Chairman stated.
Ambassador Yusuf consequently urged State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to ensure that their approved allocations are utilised responsibly, transparently and in accordance with all applicable guidelines.
He also reminded all stakeholders that the deadline for uploading the details of prospective 2027 Hajj pilgrims remains September 26, 2026, stressing that there will 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.
The NAHCON Chairman further encouraged intending pilgrims who could not secure slots for the 2027 pilgrimage to consider registering for the 2028 Hajj, noting that preparations for the subsequent pilgrimage season have already commenced and registration is open.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to promoting transparency, fairness and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, while assuring stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 Hajj are progressing.
According to him, additional information on operational guidelines and the implementation of the new Business-to-Business (B2B) framework for the 2027 Hajj will be released through NAHCON’s official communication channels.
The Commission appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with the approved quota system, noting that adherence to the allocation determined by the Saudi authorities is a requirement applicable to participating countries and is intended to support effective management of the Hajj operation.