Hajj: Nigeria secures 10,000 extra slots, allocation hits 60,000

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria said it has secured an additional 10,000 slots from Saudi Arabia for the 2027 Hajj, raising the country’s total allocation from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.

The commission, in a statement by its Head, Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed, on Thursday, said the additional slots comprise 7,500 allocated to state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions, while 2,500 slots were allocated to seven lead tour operator companies.

NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Amb Ismail Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Saudi Arabian authorities for the additional allocation, assuring that the slots would be administered transparently and in compliance with Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations.

The statement read, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria for the 2027 Hajj, following sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The additional allocation brings Nigeria’s total Hajj allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 slots.

“For clarity, the 10,000 additional slots have been distributed as follows: 7,500 slots to state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions; and 2,500 slots to the seven (7) lead tour operator companies.

“Accordingly, the additional 10,000 slots represent an expansion of Nigeria’s existing 50,000-slot allocation, bringing the overall national allocation for the 2027 Hajj to 60,000 pilgrims.

“The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed the Commission’s profound appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its continued support, guidance and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.”

NAHCON Chairman/CEO said the additional allocation underscored the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, assuring that the slots would be transparently managed in accordance with the relevant regulations and operational requirements.

The statement stated, “Ambassador Yusuf reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring that Hajj remains affordable and accessible to Nigerians, while maintaining high standards of service delivery, regulatory compliance, accountability and operational efficiency.

“He further reaffirmed that the commission will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj and safeguard the dignity, welfare and overall interests of Nigerian pilgrims.”

Nigeria was initially allocated 50,000 slots for the 2027 Hajj, comprising 35,000 slots for government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 for licensed tour operators.

NAHCON had also said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah required the biometric data of all intending pilgrims to be uploaded to the designated Nusuk-Masar platform by September 26.

Following the additional allocation, the commission is expected to review its timetable, particularly the deadline for uploading pilgrims’ biometric data.