Saudi Arabia Rejects Nigeria’s Request for More 2027 Hajj Slots

Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its 2027 Hajj allocation, leaving the country’s quota unchanged at 50,000 pilgrims despite rising demand from intending pilgrims across the country.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it formally approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek additional slots after receiving requests from several State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and observing increased interest among Nigerians seeking to perform the pilgrimage.

However, Saudi authorities declined the request, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining approved country quotas under its existing Hajj operational framework.

Under the allocation, Nigeria will retain 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for pilgrims travelling through licensed tour operators, bringing the total to 50,000 pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, acknowledged that the decision could disappoint intending pilgrims, state pilgrim boards and other stakeholders who had hoped for additional places.

Yusuf said the commission had explored available diplomatic and operational channels in an effort to secure an upward review but would respect the final decision of the Saudi authorities.

The chairman urged State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to make transparent and efficient use of the approved allocations and comply with the deadlines established by NAHCON and the Saudi Nusuk platform.

NAHCON also reiterated that September 26, 2026, remains the deadline for uploading the details of prospective 2027 Hajj pilgrims. The commission said there will be no extension.

States are also required to complete payment of 2027 Hajj fares by December 2, 2026. For Nigerians who are unable to secure a place under the 2027 allocation, NAHCON said its registration portal for the 2028 Hajj has already opened.

The commission said preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage are continuing and that further updates on operational guidelines and the new business-to-business framework will be communicated through its official channels. With Saudi Arabia maintaining the existing quota, Nigeria will proceed with preparations for the 2027 Hajj within the approved 50,000-pilgrim allocation.