Nigeria has secured an additional 10,000 slots from Saudi Arabia for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, increasing the country’s total allocation from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, announced the development following sustained diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian governments.
According to NAHCON, 7,500 of the additional slots have been allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 slots will go to seven lead licensed tour operator companies.
The commission said the additional allocation would be administered in accordance with Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and Saudi authorities for the additional allocation.
He said the development reflected the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to making Hajj accessible and maintaining accountability in the administration of the pilgrimage.
The new allocation follows an earlier decision by Saudi authorities in September to reject Nigeria’s request for additional slots, leaving the quota at 50,000 at the time.
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