Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria for the 2027 pilgrimage, increasing the country’s total allocation from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development in a statement on Thursday, saying it followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the commission, 7,500 of the additional slots have been allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 will go to seven lead tour operator companies.
The additional allocation expands Nigeria’s existing 50,000-slot quota to 60,000 for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
Yusuf also thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi Arabian Government, particularly the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.
He described the additional allocation as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and the cooperation between both countries in facilitating the pilgrimage of Nigerian Muslims.
The NAHCON chairman assured that the additional slots would be administered transparently and in compliance with applicable Nigerian and Saudi regulations and operational requirements.
He said the commission would work with the relevant state pilgrims’ welfare bodies and licensed private tour operators to ensure the effective administration of the additional allocation.
Yusuf further reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to making Hajj affordable and accessible to Nigerians while maintaining standards in service delivery, regulatory compliance, accountability and operational efficiency.
He added that the commission would continue working with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders towards a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj and to safeguard the dignity, welfare and interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
