Saudi Arabia has turned down Nigeria’s request for an increase in its allocation for the 2027 Hajj, leaving the country with a quota of 50,000 pilgrims for next year’s pilgrimage.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying it had sought additional slots from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in response to increased demand from intending Nigerian pilgrims and requests from state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
The commission said the Saudi authorities declined the request because of capacity limitations and structural constraints at the holy sites, as well as the Kingdom’s policy of adhering to approved country quotas under the existing operational framework.
“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,” NAHCON said.
The NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, acknowledged the disappointment the decision could cause intending pilgrims and state pilgrims’ welfare boards that had expected an increase in the allocation.
Yusuf said the commission had pursued available diplomatic and operational channels in an effort to secure additional slots 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,” 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.”
NAHCON warns against missing registration deadline
The NAHCON chairman urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to manage their allocations transparently and efficiently.
He also called on stakeholders to comply with deadlines set by the commission and requirements of the Saudi Nusuk platform.
Yusuf said the deadline for uploading the details of prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj remained 26 September 2026, stressing that the date would not be extended.
“Kindly note that the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ data remains 26 September 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.
The chairman advised people who were unable to secure places for the 2027 pilgrimage to register for the 2028 Hajj.
He said NAHCON had opened registration for the 2028 exercise and was currently accepting applications.
Yusuf reiterated the commission’s commitment to transparency, fairness and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, adding that preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage were continuing.
He said further information on operational guidelines and the implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj would be communicated through NAHCON’s official channels.
Nigeria retains 50,000-pilgrim quota
NAHCON said the quota approved by Saudi Arabia remains a requirement applicable to participating countries and is necessary for the orderly conduct of the pilgrimage.
Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj therefore remains at 50,000 pilgrims, comprising 35,000 slots for government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators.
The commission has also set 26 September 2026 as the final date for uploading the biometric information of all intending pilgrims on the designated Nusuk-Masar platform, in line with requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
State authorities are expected to complete payment of all 2027 Hajj fares by 2 December 2026.
