The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its allocation for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The decision leaves Nigeria’s approved quota unchanged at 50,000 pilgrims, comprising 35,000 government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators.
NAHCON disclosed that it had engaged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek additional slots in response to growing demand from intending pilgrims and appeals from state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
However, the Saudi authorities reportedly declined the request, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of adhering strictly to approved country quotas under the current operational framework.
In a statement on the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, acknowledged the disappointment the decision could cause intending pilgrims and state pilgrims’ welfare boards seeking additional allocations.
Yusuf said the Commission had explored available diplomatic and operational channels to secure an upward review of Nigeria’s quota 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,” he said.
“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 NAHCON chairman urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to ensure the judicious and transparent utilisation of their approved allocations.
He also called on all stakeholders to comply strictly with registration timelines established by the Commission and the Saudi Nusuk platform.
Yusuf reiterated that the deadline for uploading the data of all prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj remains September 26, 2026, stressing that no extension would be granted.
“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 stated.
The NAHCON chairman further advised intending pilgrims who may be unable to secure slots under the approved 2027 allocation to consider registering for the 2028 Hajj.
He disclosed that the Commission had opened the registration portal for the subsequent pilgrimage season and was accepting applications.
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 added that further updates on operational guidelines and the implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj would be communicated through the Commission’s official channels.
The Commission appealed to stakeholders to cooperate with the approved quota system, describing adherence to Saudi Arabia’s allocation framework as essential to ensuring smooth and successful Hajj operations.