Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage has increased by 10,000 slots to 60,000, following approval by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in a statement signed by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed, said the additional allocation followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Saudi Arabian authorities.
According to the Commission, Nigeria’s initial allocation for the 2027 Hajj stood at 50,000 pilgrims, but the newly approved additional slots have raised the national quota to 60,000.
NAHCON said the additional 10,000 slots would be distributed between State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, and licensed private tour operators.
It explained that 7,500 of the additional slots had been allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 slots would go to the seven lead Hajj tour operator companies.
The development is expected to expand the number of Nigerians who will have the opportunity to perform the 2027 pilgrimage under the country’s official Hajj arrangements.
Reacting to the development, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its continued support and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
Yusuf also commended the Saudi Arabian authorities, particularly the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, for approving the additional allocation.
The NAHCON chairman described the increase as a reflection of the cordial and longstanding relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, as well as the cooperation between both countries in facilitating the annual pilgrimage by Nigerian Muslims.
He assured that the additional slots would be administered transparently and judiciously, in accordance with applicable Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.
He said NAHCON would work with the relevant State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators, to ensure proper management of the additional allocation.
Yusuf further reiterated the Commission’s commitment to making Hajj affordable and accessible to Nigerians while maintaining high standards of service delivery, accountability, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
He said the Commission would continue its engagement with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of the 2027 Hajj operations and protect the welfare, dignity and interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
The additional allocation comes as preparations for the 2027 Hajj gather momentum, with NAHCON and other stakeholders expected to intensify arrangements for accommodation, transportation, feeding, medical services and other logistical requirements for Nigerian pilgrims.