Nigeria will retain its existing Hajj allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage after Saudi Arabia declined a request for additional slots, despite growing demand from intending pilgrims across the country.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed that efforts to secure an increase in the nation’s allocation were unsuccessful, as Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations and operational considerations for maintaining the current quota system.

According to the commission, discussions were held with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in an attempt to obtain more pilgrimage spaces for Nigerian Muslims. The request was driven by rising interest in the annual pilgrimage and appeals from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards seeking larger allocations to accommodate prospective pilgrims.

However, Saudi authorities reportedly informed Nigeria that the Kingdom could not approve any increase because of limitations associated with available facilities and the management of pilgrims within the holy sites. The decision means Nigeria’s approved allocation for the 2027 Hajj season remains unchanged.

Under the arrangement, 35,000 slots have been reserved for government-sponsored pilgrims through state pilgrims’ welfare boards, while licensed tour operators will retain their allocation of 15,000 slots. This leaves Nigeria with a total quota of 50,000 pilgrims for the 2027 exercise.

Reacting to the development, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, acknowledged that the decision would disappoint many intending pilgrims and stakeholders who had hoped for an increase in the country’s allocation.

He said the commission exhausted available diplomatic and operational avenues in its efforts to secure more slots but would abide by the final decision communicated by the Saudi authorities.

Yusuf noted that the strong desire among Nigerian Muslims to perform the pilgrimage informed the request, adding that NAHCON fully understood the expectations of state pilgrim boards and other stakeholders seeking expanded opportunities for participation.

Despite the setback, he urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to utilise their approved allocations responsibly and transparently while complying with all requirements and timelines set by the commission and Saudi authorities.

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The NAHCON chairman also reminded stakeholders that September 26, 2026, remains the deadline for uploading the details of all prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

He stressed that the deadline would be strictly enforced and warned that the commission would not entertain requests for an extension, urging all participating organisations to complete the registration process within the stipulated period.

Yusuf further encouraged intending pilgrims who may be unable to secure a place under the 2027 allocation not to abandon their plans, revealing that preparations for the 2028 pilgrimage season had already begun.

According to him, the registration portal for the 2028 Hajj has been opened, providing an opportunity for prospective pilgrims to begin early preparations for the next exercise.

He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, assuring stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage are progressing according to schedule.

The commission also indicated that additional information regarding operational procedures and the implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the upcoming Hajj exercise would be communicated through its official channels.

NAHCON appealed for understanding from pilgrims, state agencies and tour operators, noting that the quota system is a global arrangement applied by Saudi Arabia to all participating countries and remains an essential part of efforts to ensure the safe and orderly management of the annual pilgrimage.