Saudi Arabia Denies Nigeria's Request for More Hajj Slots in 2027

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has turned down Nigeria’s request for more slots for the 2027 Hajj. This leaves Nigeria with a total of 50,000 pilgrims for the pilgrimage.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) shared this news in a statement signed by its management on Thursday in Abuja.

The Commission had reached out to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ask for more slots. This was in response to the growing demand from Nigerian Muslims wanting to make the pilgrimage.

NAHCON explained that it also responded to requests from various state pilgrims’ welfare boards. They were asking for more slots to enable more Nigerians to perform the pilgrimage.

But Saudi officials said no. They pointed to capacity limits, space issues at the holy sites, and the need to stick to set quotas for each country.

As a result, Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj is still 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators. This totals 50,000 pilgrims.

In response to the news, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ismail Yusuf, said the Commission understands how disappointing this decision is for many intending pilgrims, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, and others hoping for more slots.

He mentioned that NAHCON had tried all possible diplomatic and operational ways to get more slots but would respect the final decision from Saudi Arabia.

"We appreciate the deep spiritual desire of many Nigerian Muslims to perform Hajj and understand the expectations of states and stakeholders seeking additional slots. While every effort was made to secure an upward review, the Saudi authorities have communicated their final position based on operational realities and capacity considerations," Mr Yusuf said.

The chairman urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, and licensed tour operators to use their approved allocations wisely. He asked them to follow the deadlines set by NAHCON and the Saudi Nusuk platform.

"Kindly note that the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ data remains September 26, 2026. We urge all partners, state pilgrimage boards, tour operators and representatives to ensure that all required information is submitted before this date, as no extensions will be granted," he said.

In a related note, NAHCON informed the public, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, licensed tour operators, and other stakeholders about the decision from Saudi Arabia. The Commission had formally reached out to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek more slots due to the increasing number of Nigerian Muslims wanting to perform the sacred journey.

But the Saudi authorities said they could not give more slots due to capacity limits, issues at the holy sites, and the need to stick to country quotas under the current rules.

Now, Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj is fixed at 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators. This means the total stays at 50,000 pilgrims.

Mr Yusuf said he understands the disappointment this decision might cause many aspiring pilgrims and state pilgrim boards hoping for more slots.

He noted that NAHCON explored all possible ways to increase the quota but respects the Saudi authorities' final decision.

"We appreciate the deep spiritual desire of many Nigerian Muslims to perform Hajj and understand the expectations of states and stakeholders seeking additional slots. While every effort was made to secure an upward review, the Saudi authorities have communicated their final position based on operational realities and capacity considerations," Ambassador Yusuf stated.

He encouraged intending pilgrims who cannot secure a slot this time to keep their hopes up. Preparations for the next pilgrimage season have already started.

"Individuals who were unable to secure a slot for the upcoming Hajj are encouraged to register for the 2028 Hajj. The Commission has officially opened the registration portal for this period, and applications are now being accepted," he added.

Ambassador Yusuf reassured everyone of NAHCON’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. He said preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage are moving forward.

He also mentioned that more updates about operational guidelines and the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj will be shared through official NAHCON channels.

NAHCON asked for understanding and cooperation from all stakeholders. They emphasized that following the Saudi-approved quota system is necessary for all countries involved to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage.