Saudi Arabia Grants Nigeria Extra 10,000 Hajj Slots For 2027

Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage has increased from 50,000 to 60,000 following the approval of an additional 10,000 slots by Saudi Arabia.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development in a statement on Thursday by its Head, Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed.

According to the commission, 7,500 of the additional slots have been allocated to state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions, while the remaining 2,500 will go to seven lead tour operator companies.

NAHCON said the additional allocation followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian governments.

The commission stated, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria for the 2027 Hajj, following sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The additional allocation brings Nigeria’s total Hajj allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 slots.

“For clarity, the 10,000 additional slots have been distributed as follows: 7,500 slots to state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions; and 2,500 slots to the seven (7) lead tour operator companies.”

The commission said the increase would expand the existing national allocation without altering the framework for administering the pilgrimage.

The NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Saudi authorities for the additional slots.

“The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed the Commission’s profound appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its continued support, guidance and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims,” the statement said.

Yusuf also described the development as a reflection of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, assuring that the additional slots would be managed transparently and in line with relevant Nigerian and Saudi regulations.

“Ambassador Yusuf reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring that Hajj remains affordable and accessible to Nigerians, while maintaining high standards of service delivery, regulatory compliance, accountability and operational efficiency,” the statement added.

“He further reaffirmed that the commission will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj and safeguard the dignity, welfare and overall interests of Nigerian pilgrims.”

Before the latest increase, Nigeria had been allocated 50,000 slots for the 2027 pilgrimage, comprising 35,000 slots for government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 for licensed tour operators.

NAHCON had also announced that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah required the biometric data of all intending Nigerian pilgrims to be uploaded to the designated Nusuk-Masar platform by September 26.