Saudi Arabia Rejects Nigeria's Request for Additional Hajj Quota
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the Saudi Arabian government has rejected Nigeria’s request to increase its Hajj quota allocation for 2027. As a result, Nigeria’s quota remains unchanged despite growing demand from prospective pilgrims across various regions of the country.
NAHCON stated that it had engaged in official communications with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to request the additional allocation. The request was submitted to accommodate the increasing number of Nigerian Muslims wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, as well as to respond to requests from several state-level pilgrim welfare bodies seeking more slots.
However, Saudi authorities stated that they are unable to provide additional quotas. The decision is based on capacity limitations, structural constraints within the holy sites, and the Kingdom’s policy of strictly enforcing national quotas according to the existing operational framework.
With this decision, Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj remains at 35,000 slots for government-led pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators. This brings Nigeria’s total official quota to 50,000 pilgrims.
The Chairman and CEO of NAHCON, Ismail Abba Yusuf, stated that the commission understands the disappointment that may be felt by many prospective pilgrims and state-level management bodies who had hoped for an increase.
According to Yusuf, NAHCO has exhausted all available diplomatic and operational channels to advocate for an increased quota, but the commission respects the final decision of the Saudi authorities.
“We understand the great spiritual desire of Nigerian Muslims to perform the Hajj, as well as the expectations of state governments and stakeholders who desired an additional quota. Although various efforts were made to secure an increased allocation, the Saudi authorities have conveyed their final decision based on operational and capacity considerations,” said Yusuf.
The NAHCON Chairman has urged state-level pilgrim welfare bodies, relevant agencies, and licensed tour operators to use the approved quota wisely and transparently. They have also been instructed to adhere to all deadlines set by NAHCON and Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk platform.
Yusuf emphasised that the deadline for uploading all prospective pilgrim data for the 2027 Hajj remains 26 September 2026. He warned that there would be no extensions under any circumstances.
“Please note that the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrim data remains 26 September 2026. We ask all partners, state pilgrim management bodies, tour operators, and representatives to ensure all necessary information is submitted before that date, as there will be no extension,” he said.
Yusuf also encouraged prospective pilgrims who were unsuccessful in securing a 2027 quota not to lose hope, noting that preparations for the following Hajj season have already commenced.
“Those who were unsuccessful in obtaining a quota for the upcoming Hajj are encouraged to register for the 2028 Hajj. The Commission has officially opened the registration portal for that period, and registrations are now being accepted,” he added.