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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has declined Nigeria’s request for an upward review of its 2027 Hajj allocation, leaving the country’s quota unchanged despite growing demand from intending pilgrims nationwide.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclosed that it had formally engaged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, seeking additional pilgrimage slots to accommodate the increasing number of Nigerian Muslims desirous of undertaking the sacred journey and to address appeals from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards for enhanced allocations.
However, Saudi authorities said they cannot grant additional slots, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints within the holy sites, and the Kingdom’s policy of strict adherence to approved country quotas under the current operational framework.
Consequently, Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj exercise remains fixed at 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators, bringing the country’s total approved allocation to 50,000 pilgrims.
Commenting on the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the Commission fully understands the disappointment the decision may cause many aspiring pilgrims and state pilgrim boards that had hoped for additional allocations.
Credit: Guardian
According to him, the Commission explored all available diplomatic and operational channels to secure an increased quota but respects the Saudi authorities’ final decision.
“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,” Ambassador Yusuf stated.
The NAHCON Chairman urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, and licensed tour operators to use their approved allocations judiciously and transparently, while ensuring strict compliance with all timelines set by the Commission and the Saudi Nusuk platform.
He emphasised that the deadline for uploading the data of all prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj exercise remains September 26, 2026, warning that no extensions would be granted under any circumstance.
“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.
Ambassador Yusuf further advised intending pilgrims who may be unable to secure a slot under the approved 2027 allocation not to lose hope, adding that preparations for the next pilgrimage season have already begun.
“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.
The NAHCON Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, equity and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, assuring stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage are progressing steadily.
He also said further updates on operational guidelines and the implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj exercise would be shared through official NAHCON channels.
The Commission appealed for understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders, emphasising that adherence to the Saudi-approved quota system remains a global requirement affecting all participating countries and is essential to ensuring a smooth and successful pilgrimage operation.
