2027 Hajj: Saudi Arabia rejects Nigeria’s request for more slots

Saudi Arabia has declined Nigeria's request for additional pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj, maintaining the allocation at 50,000 slots. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria informed the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of their request for more slots, but the Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites, and their policy of maintaining approved country quotas.

The NAHCON Chairman, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, acknowledged the disappointment this decision may cause, stating that the Commission had exhausted all avenues to secure an increased quota. The Commission urged stakeholders to comply with the approved quota of 50,000 pilgrims, which includes 35,000 for government pilgrims and 15,000 for licensed tour operators.

The NAHCON emphasized the importance of strict compliance with timelines, urging partners to submit all required information by the September 26, 2026, deadline, as no extensions will be granted.