Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its allocation for the 2027 Hajj, leaving the country with a total quota of 50,000 pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it had approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek additional slots following increased demand from Nigerian Muslims and requests from state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
However, the Saudi authorities turned down the request, citing capacity limitations and restrictions at the holy sites, as well as the existing policy of maintaining approved quotas for participating countries.
Under the approved arrangement, Nigeria will have 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and another 15,000 slots for pilgrims travelling through licensed tour operators.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the Commission understood the disappointment that the decision could cause among intending pilgrims and state pilgrimage authorities.
Yusuf said NAHCON had explored available channels to secure an increase but would respect the decision of the Saudi authorities.
He urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to properly manage their allocations and comply with the deadlines set by the Commission and the Saudi Nusuk platform.
He also reminded stakeholders that the deadline for uploading the details of prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj is September 26, 2026.
According to the Commission, the deadline will not be extended, making it necessary for all required information to be submitted before the date.
Yusuf also advised Nigerians who are unable to obtain slots for the 2027 pilgrimage to consider registering for the 2028 Hajj.
He disclosed that registration for the 2028 Hajj has already commenced, with the Commission’s portal open to prospective pilgrims.
NAHCON said preparations for the 2027 Hajj are continuing, while further information on operational guidelines and the new business-to-business framework will be released through its official channels.
The Commission appealed to stakeholders to cooperate with the quota arrangement, noting that the approved limits are part of Saudi Arabia’s system for managing pilgrims from countries participating in the annual Hajj.
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