2027 Hajj: Saudi Arabia declines Nigeria’s request for additional slots

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has declined Nigeria’s request for an upward review of its 2027 Hajj allocation.

The decline, according to the management of the Hajj commission, meant Nigeria’s earlier quota of 50,000 slots remained unchanged despite growing demand from intending pilgrims across the country.

The management disclosed, through a press release issued Thursday night, 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 communicated their inability to 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,” the commission stated.

Reacting to the development, NAHCON Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the Commission fully understood the disappointment the decision might cause many aspiring pilgrims and state pilgrim boards that had hoped for additional allocations.

According to him, the Commission explored all available diplomatic and operational channels in pursuit of an increased quota but respects 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,” Ambassador Yusuf said.

The NAHCON boss urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to make judicious and transparent use of their approved allocations as well as ensure strict compliance with all timelines established by the Commission and the Saudi Nusuk platform.

While emphasising that the deadline for uploading the data of all prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj exercise remains September 26, Yusuf warned 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 not secure a slot under the approved 2027 allocation not to lose hope, revealing that preparations for the subsequent pilgrimage season have already commenced.

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According to him, NAHCON had officially opened the registration portal for the 2028 pilgrimage and applications were now being accepted.

“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 CEO then 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 disclosed that further updates regarding operational guidelines and the implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj exercise would be communicated through official NAHCON channels.

Meanwhile, 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.