Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj has risen from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims after Saudi Arabian authorities approved an additional 10,000 slots for the country.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed.
According to the commission, 7,500 of the additional slots will go to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 will be allocated among seven lead tour operator companies.
The additional allocation brings Nigeria’s total quota for the 2027 pilgrimage to 60,000 pilgrims.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, commended the Federal Government and the Saudi Arabian authorities for approving the additional slots.
Yusuf said the commission would ensure that the new allocation was handled transparently and in accordance with the rules governing Hajj operations in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to working closely with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of the 2027 pilgrimage.
The NAHCON chairman also stressed that the commission would maintain proper service delivery, accountability, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency throughout the process.
He said the commission would continue working to keep Hajj affordable and accessible to Nigerians while safeguarding the dignity, welfare and overall interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
Before the latest increase, Nigeria had been allocated 50,000 places for the 2027 Hajj, comprising 35,000 slots for government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 for licensed tour operators.
The additional allocation followed sustained high-level engagements between the Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over Nigeria’s request for an increase in its 2027 Hajj quota.
Meanwhile, NAHCON had earlier informed intending pilgrims that their biometric information was required on the Nusuk-Masar platform by September 26, following a directive from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
With the national allocation now increased to 60,000, NAHCON said it would continue working with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj and safeguard the welfare and interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
