Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in the country’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, leaving the number of available slots at 50,000.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, explaining that the allocation will remain divided between government pilgrims and licensed tour operators.

Under the approved arrangement, 35,000 slots will be allocated to government pilgrims, while licensed tour operators will receive 15,000 slots.

NSCDC Investigates Deaths Of 33 Miners Arrested In Niger

The decision followed a formal request by NAHCON to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for additional spaces to accommodate rising demand among prospective Nigerian pilgrims.

According to the Commission, several state pilgrims’ welfare boards had also appealed for increased allocations, citing the growing number of Nigerians seeking to perform the annual pilgrimage.

Saudi authorities, however, declined the request.

NAHCON said the Saudi decision was based on capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the need to maintain approved country quotas under the existing operational framework.

Hajj Allocation Remains at 50,000 Slots

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ismail Yusuf, acknowledged the disappointment that the decision could cause among intending pilgrims and other stakeholders who had hoped that Nigeria would receive additional spaces.

Yusuf said the Commission understood the strong desire among Nigerian Muslims to undertake the pilgrimage and recognised the expectations of state authorities and other stakeholders.

He explained that NAHCON had made efforts to secure an upward review of Nigeria’s allocation but said Saudi authorities had communicated their final position based on operational and capacity considerations.

“We appreciate the deep spiritual desire of many Nigerian Muslims to perform Hajj and understand the expectations of states and stakeholders seeking additional slots,” Yusuf said.

“While every effort was made to secure an upward review, the Saudi authorities have communicated their final position based on operational realities and capacity consideration.”

With the request unsuccessful, NAHCON has directed state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to ensure that the existing allocation is managed transparently and efficiently.

The Commission urged all stakeholders to use their approved slots judiciously and comply with the administrative requirements established for the 2027 pilgrimage.

Yusuf specifically reminded stakeholders that the deadline for uploading the details of prospective pilgrims remains September 26, 2026.

He urged state pilgrimage boards, tour operators and other authorised representatives to ensure that all required information is submitted before the deadline.

According to the NAHCON chairman, no extension will be granted after the stipulated date.

The Commission also directed stakeholders to comply with the requirements of the Saudi Nusuk platform, which forms part of the operational framework for the pilgrimage.

The 50,000-slot allocation means Nigerian authorities will have to manage demand within the quota approved by Saudi Arabia for the 2027 Hajj season.

The government allocation of 35,000 slots and the 15,000 spaces assigned to licensed tour operators will therefore constitute Nigeria’s total approved participation under the current arrangement.

The development is likely to leave state pilgrims’ welfare boards and prospective pilgrims working within the existing quota as preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage continue.

NAHCON said its focus would now be on ensuring that the available spaces are properly administered and that all relevant information is submitted within the required timeframe.

The Commission also called on all participating agencies and operators to maintain transparency throughout the allocation process and adhere to both Nigerian and Saudi regulatory requirements.

For intending pilgrims, the immediate priority is therefore to complete the necessary registration and data-upload procedures ahead of the September 26 deadline.