2027 Hajj: Saudi Arabia rejects Nigeria’s request for more slots - Punch Newspapers

Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its 2027 Hajj allocation, leaving the country with an approved quota of 50,000 pilgrims for next year’s pilgrimage. The management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that it had approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to request additional slots to meet the rising demand from intending Nigerian pilgrims and appeals from state pilgrims’ welfare boards. However, according to the statement, the Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining 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 added. Commenting on the development, the NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, said the Commission understood the disappointment the decision could cause intending pilgrims and state pilgrims’ welfare boards that had anticipated additional slots. He said NAHCON had explored all available diplomatic and operational avenues to secure an increased quota but respected 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 statement read in part, “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 circumstance. Kwara gov appoints PDP chieftain Ameerul Hajj for 2027 FG reviews 1978 air deal to secure more Hajj slots for Nigerian airlines Saudi says Houthis target Mecca, warns of ‘red line’ “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. “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.” The NAHCON Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency, fairness and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, assuring stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 Hajj are progressing as planned. He added that updates on the operational guidelines and rollout of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 pilgrimage would be released through NAHCON’s official communication channels. The Commission also urged stakeholders to cooperate and understand the situation, noting that compliance with the quota approved by Saudi Arabia is a global requirement for all participating countries and is crucial to the successful conduct of the pilgrimage. Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj quota therefore remains unchanged at 50,000 pilgrims, comprising 35,000 slots allocated to government pilgrims and 15,000 reserved for licensed tour operators. In line with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s requirements, NAHCON had set September 26, 2026, as the final deadline for uploading the biometric details of all intending pilgrims on the designated Nusuk-Masar platform. States are also required to complete payment of all 2027 Hajj fares by December 2, 2026. Abdulrahman Zakariyau Abdulrahman is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with nearly a decade of professional experience covering political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, and the Nigeria Governors Forum. He is also a development and strategic communication expert, skilled at analyzing complex issues and delivering impactful narratives. Abdulrahman’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to informative and insightful journalism.

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