Saudi Arabia Holds Nigeria to 50,000 Hajj Slots Despite Push for More
NAHCON says the Kingdom cited capacity constraints and limits at the holy sites, while states and tour operators have until September 26 to complete prospective pilgrims’ data upload.
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Nigeria will have 50,000 slots for the 2027 Hajj after Saudi Arabia declined the country’s request for an increase, leaving the approved quota unchanged despite growing demand among prospective pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it had formally approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for additional slots following increased interest among Nigerian Muslims and requests from several State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for larger allocations.
The request was not granted.
According to NAHCON, Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations, structural constraints within the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of adhering to approved country quotas under the current operational framework.
Nigeria’s approved allocation therefore remains 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 for licensed tour operators, bringing the total to 50,000.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the Commission understood the disappointment the decision could cause intending pilgrims, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and other stakeholders who had hoped for additional places.
He said NAHCON had explored available diplomatic and operational channels in an effort to secure an upward review but would respect 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,” Yusuf said.
The chairman urged State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to make judicious and transparent use of their approved allocations and comply with the timelines set by NAHCON and the Saudi Nusuk platform.
For prospective pilgrims, one of the immediate deadlines is September 26.
Yusuf said the deadline for uploading the data of all prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj remains September 26, 2026, with no extension to 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 said.
NAHCON had earlier fixed September 26 as the final deadline for the complete upload of intending pilgrims’ biometric data on the Saudi-approved Nusuk-Masar digital platform, warning that failure to meet the deadline could result in forfeiture of allocated Hajj slots.
With the 2027 allocation now settled, NAHCON has also opened another route for Muslims who may not secure a place in next year’s pilgrimage.
Yusuf advised those unable to obtain a 2027 slot to consider registering for the 2028 Hajj, saying preparations for the subsequent pilgrimage season had already begun and the registration portal was open.
“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 said.
The Commission said preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage were continuing and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, equity and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
It also said further details on operational guidelines and the implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj would be communicated through its official channels.
NAHCON said adherence to the Saudi-approved quota system remained a requirement affecting participating countries and urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the established arrangements as preparations for the pilgrimage continue.
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