JUST IN: Hajj 2027: Saudi Arabia rejects Nigeria’s bid for more slots

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its allocation for the 2027 Hajj, leaving the country with a total quota of 50,000 pilgrims.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed this in a statement signed by its management on Thursday in Abuja.

The Commission said it had formally approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to request additional slots in response to increasing demand from prospective Nigerian pilgrims.

It explained that the request was also made in response to appeals from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards seeking increased allocations to enable more Nigerians to perform the pilgrimage.

However, Saudi authorities declined the request, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the need to maintain strict adherence to approved country quotas under the existing operational framework.

With the decision, Nigeria’s 2027 allocation remains at 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators, bringing the total to 50,000 pilgrims.

NAHCON Chairman reacts

Commenting on the development, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ismail Yusuf, said the Commission understood the disappointment that the decision could cause among intending pilgrims, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and other stakeholders who had hoped for additional slots.

He said NAHCON had explored available diplomatic and operational channels to secure an upward review of the allocation, 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,” Mr 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 strictly with deadlines set by NAHCON and the Saudi Nusuk platform.

“Kindly note that the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ data remains September 26, 2026. We urge all partners, state pilgrimage boards, tour operators and representatives to ensure that all required information is submitted before this date, as no extensions will be granted,” he said.

Read the full statement below:

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

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to inform the general public, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators and other stakeholders that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has declined Nigeria’s request for an upward review of its 2027 Hajj allocation.

The Commission had formally engaged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek additional pilgrimage slots in view of the increasing number of Nigerian Muslims desirous of undertaking the sacred journey, as well as appeals from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards for enhanced allocations.

However, the Saudi authorities communicated their inability to grant additional slots, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints within the holy sites, and the Kingdom’s 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.

Commenting on the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the Commission fully understands the disappointment the decision may 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 stated.

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

He emphasised that the deadline for uploading the data of all prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj exercise remains September 26, 2026, warning that no extensions would be granted under any circumstances.

“Kindly note that the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ data remains September 26, 2026. We urge all partners, state pilgrimage 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 be unable to secure a slot under the approved 2027 allocation not to lose hope, revealing that preparations for the subsequent pilgrimage season have already commenced.

“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.

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The NAHCON Chairman 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.

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.