Saudi Arabia approves additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria

Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj has increased to 60,000 pilgrims following the approval of an additional 10,000 slots by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

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

The Commission said the increase was secured through continued discussions between the Nigerian Government and authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Under the new arrangement, state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions will receive 7,500 of the additional slots, while 2,500 have been reserved for seven lead tour operators.

This brings Nigeria’s total quota for the 2027 pilgrimage from the initial 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.

Reacting to the development, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, described the increase as a reflection of the cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in facilitating the annual pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.

The NAHCON chief said the Commission would ensure that the newly approved slots were allocated fairly and managed in accordance with the relevant laws and operational requirements of both countries.

He said state pilgrims’ agencies and licensed private tour operators would be involved in implementing the allocation.