Omanghana
Saudi Arabia has approved 10,000 additional Hajj slots for Nigeria, increasing the country’s allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the increase on October 1, 2026, following diplomatic engagements led by the Federal Government.
The approval reverses an earlier decision by Saudi authorities, who had declined Nigeria’s request for a higher quota because of capacity and structural constraints at the holy sites.
Of the additional allocation, 7,500 slots have been distributed to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions. The remaining 2,500 have been assigned to seven lead private tour operator companies.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, described the approval as a rare diplomatic breakthrough secured through coordinated efforts involving the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and pilgrimage administrators.
He said the expanded quota would help address strong demand from Nigerians seeking to participate in the pilgrimage.
The additional spaces give state pilgrimage bodies and approved private operators greater capacity to accommodate prospective pilgrims as preparations for the 2027 Hajj continue.
NAHCON assured applicants that the new allocation would be administered transparently. It also urged state boards to comply strictly with Nigerian and Saudi regulatory deadlines to avoid disruptions to travel arrangements and other preparations.
The commission emphasized that timely coordination among the institutions managing the pilgrimage would be essential to making effective use of the increased quota.
Source: Omanghana
