Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria's request for an increase in its allocation for the 2027 Hajj, leaving the country with a total quota of 50,000 pilgrims. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed the decision on Thursday, saying its efforts to secure additional places had been unsuccessful.

The commission said it had formally engaged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah after growing demand from intending Nigerian pilgrims and requests from several state pilgrims' welfare boards for an upward review. Saudi authorities declined the request, citing capacity and operational constraints in managing pilgrims at the holy sites.

How the quota is split

Under the approved arrangement, Nigeria will receive 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for pilgrims travelling through licensed tour operators, bringing the total to 50,000. NAHCON acknowledged that the unchanged figure is likely to leave many intending pilgrims who had hoped to perform Hajj in 2027 without a place.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, said the commission understood the concerns of prospective pilgrims and state authorities. He said NAHCON had explored available diplomatic and operational channels to secure an increase but would respect the Saudi decision.

According to Yusuf, the ministry communicated a final position based on operational realities and capacity considerations. He said the commission appreciated the spiritual desire of many Nigerian Muslims to perform Hajj and the expectations of states and stakeholders seeking additional allocations.

A firm September 26 deadline

Following the decision, NAHCON urged state pilgrims' welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to work strictly within their approved allocations. It directed all stakeholders to ensure that the details of every prospective pilgrim are submitted within the stipulated period.

The commission said the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims' data for the 2027 Hajj remains September 26, 2026, and warned that it would not be extended. Yusuf said no extensions would be granted and urged partners to ensure all required information is submitted before the date.

He stressed the need for accuracy and completeness, noting that the pilgrimage process involves close coordination between Nigerian authorities and the Saudi Hajj administration. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions risk complications later in the process.

Option to register for 2028

For intending pilgrims unable to secure a 2027 place, Yusuf advised them to consider the 2028 Hajj. He said registration for the 2028 pilgrimage has already opened and applications are being accepted through the commission's portal.

NAHCON said preparations for the 2027 Hajj were progressing despite the unchanged quota. The commission reaffirmed a commitment to transparency, equitable allocation of available slots, and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. It added that further details on operational guidelines and the new business-to-business framework for 2027 would be released through official channels.

What pilgrims should do now

  • Confirm with your state pilgrims' welfare board or a licensed tour operator that your data has been uploaded well before September 26, 2026.
  • Double-check that names, passport details and other information are accurate and complete to avoid processing problems.
  • If a 2027 slot is not available, consider registering for the 2028 Hajj, for which the portal is already open.
  • Deal only with licensed operators and official commission channels, and treat offers of guaranteed extra slots with caution.

The commission said adherence to the Saudi-approved quota remained necessary for the orderly coordination of the pilgrimage and the effective management of pilgrims from participating countries.