Nigeria Loses Hajj Seats: Concerns Rise Among Citizens

For many years, Nigeria sent large numbers of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, the yearly Muslim pilgrimage.
But in just two Hajj cycles, the number of pilgrims dropped sharply. This leaves many people with the hard decision to delay a spiritual journey they have prepared for over the years.
The situation is not just about Saudi Arabia cutting Nigeria’s slots.

The drop from 95,000

Nigeria had 95,000 spots for the 2025 Hajj. By May 2025, only about 64,188 pilgrims had signed up, and fewer than 60,000 actually made it to Saudi Arabia through the government and licensed private tour companies. In 2026, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) managed to get around 52,000 spots, but still, fewer Nigerians traveled. Several reasons led to this. Many intending pilgrims registered and paid late. They faced issues completing payments and delays in sending funds. The Saudi visa portal also closed, causing more problems. Saudi Arabia then cut Nigeria’s Masha’ir spaces for 2026 to 66,910, but the operational quota dropped to 50,000. NAHCON warned pilgrims and state welfare boards to stick to registration and payment deadlines. Each time Nigeria did not use all its slots, it became a problem for future Hajj plans, as Saudi authorities cut the number of Mashair spaces for the next cycle. Some Nigerians registered and paid for the 2025 Hajj, yet could not travel, especially those affected by the visa portal closure. NAHCON noted that 2,717 late-registration pilgrims were impacted, despite efforts to get more extensions. The Commission then started reconciling and refunding affected pilgrims. By September 2025, NAHCON said it had processed refunds for 19 states that requested reconciliation. This situation showed how crucial it is to complete registration, payment, biometric, and visa processes on time, as set by Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

New NAHCON leadership

With Isma’il Abba-Yusuf taking over as the new NAHCON Chairman, the Commission made early preparation a key focus. It urged intending pilgrims to register and pay early and called on state welfare boards to boost awareness campaigns. NAHCON also emphasized the need for pilgrims and state authorities to understand and follow new Saudi regulations, especially as the Hajj process becomes more focused on technology. This push for early registration and compliance was clear before the 2027 Hajj. Nigeria then secured an extra 10,000 slots, raising its total from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims. This change came after ongoing talks between NAHCON and Saudi authorities and gives more room for Nigerian pilgrims. It also means NAHCON and state authorities must ensure all available spots are used.

From Arabi to Usman, then Yusuf

The difference with the 2024 Hajj under Jalal Arabi is clear. During Mr Arabi’s time, NAHCON finished visa processing and other tasks ahead of the airlift and moved Nigerian pilgrims smoothly through the Hajj. But his time ended amid an EFCC investigation into alleged misuse of the N90 billion 2024 Hajj intervention fund from the federal government. President Bola Tinubu later removed Mr Arabi. Abdullahi Usman, a professor, took over but faced internal disputes and issues. He resigned in February 2026 during the crisis. Ismail Yusuf, a former diplomat, then stepped in, facing a commission needing internal restructuring and a changing Saudi Hajj management system.

The pilgrims’ frustration

When PREMIUM TIMES talked to some Nigerians, they shared similar worries across the country. Hassan Mohammed from Kaduna said Nigeria should have done more to make sure it used its traditional allocation fully. “The painful part is that we had the opportunity to use the seats. We should not have allowed thousands of allocations to go unused,” he said. Almustapha Ahmed from Sokoto said the cut would hurt families who saved for years for Hajj. “Hajj is not something people decide to do overnight. Families save for years. When the allocation disappears, ordinary Nigerians bear the consequences.” Rafiu AbdulRauf from Oyo State asked if NAHCON and state authorities acted quickly enough when problems appeared. “NAHCON and the states should have anticipated that Saudi Arabia would look at utilisation. The warning signs were already there.” Garba Mukhtar from Yobe State said Nigeria must improve its preparation. “We cannot continue with late registration, late payments and administrative bottlenecks and then expect Saudi Arabia to keep reserving spaces for us.” AbdulWahab Isiaka in Lagos raised concerns about the growing political influence around Hajj administration. “The political interest surrounding Hajj must not become more important than the pilgrim. The person paying for Hajj should be at the centre of every decision,” Mr Isiaka said. But the worries go beyond the reduction. Nigerians also want more transparency on how slots are shared, how pilgrims are chosen, and how private operators are managed.

Saudi Arabia’s new rules

Saudi Arabia is changing Hajj administration using technology. Pilgrim data, biometrics, visas, accommodation, transport, and other services are now linked through digital platforms, including Nusuk-Masar. This new system leaves less room for delays. Missing deadlines, incomplete data, or failure to synchronize pilgrims’ information can lead to lost spaces. Saudi Arabia is also encouraging private operators to take on more responsibilities. Under this new model, NAHCON would mainly act as a regulator, while licensed companies handle more operational tasks. This change could enhance efficiency, but it raises questions about consumer protection, pricing, and accountability.

Can Ambassador Yusuf reverse the decline?

Mr Yusuf stepped in at a crucial time for NAHCON. His recent reforms focus on early planning, digitalization, openness, and professionalizing Hajj operations. He has also talked with Saudi authorities about Nigeria’s reduced allocation and sought more spots for Nigerian pilgrims. Still, just diplomacy may not bring back the lost quota. Nigeria must prove it can register pilgrims early, pay on time, provide accurate data, and use all its allocated seats.

The bigger question

Nigeria’s Hajj crisis is more than just about losing seats from 95,000 to 60,000. It shows a changing Saudi system, lower usage, administrative problems, political interference, and a need for reforms. For Mr Yusuf, the challenge is to rebuild trust in NAHCON and ensure Nigeria does not lose valuable Hajj opportunities due to mistakes. For Nigerian pilgrims, the demand is simple: if Saudi Arabia provides a spot, Nigeria must make sure it is filled.