Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj Allocation Rises to 60,000 After Saudi Arabia Approves Additional 10,000 Slots

Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj has increased to 60,000 pilgrims after Saudi Arabia approved an additional 10,000 slots, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced.

The approval raises the initial allocation of 50,000 by 20 per cent, with the additional places to be shared between state pilgrims welfare agencies and licensed private tour operators.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 1, by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed, NAHCON said the increase followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian governments.

Of the additional 10,000 slots, 7,500 have been assigned to state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions, while 2,500 were allocated to seven lead tour operator companies.

“The additional allocation brings Nigeria’s total Hajj allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 slots,” the commission said.

Nigeria’s original allocation comprised 35,000 slots for the state-managed channel and 15,000 for licensed tour operators. With the increase, the allocation now stands at 42,500 for state bodies and 17,500 for private operators.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, thanked the Federal Government and Saudi authorities for securing the additional allocation.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its support for the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, saying the approval reflects the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

Yusuf assured intending pilgrims that the additional slots would be administered transparently and in line with Nigerian and Saudi regulations, adding that the commission will work with state boards and licensed operators to implement the allocation.

He reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to making Hajj affordable and accessible while maintaining accountability, regulatory compliance and efficient service delivery.

Preparations are already underway at state level. Kebbi State, for instance, has remitted ₦21.5 billion to NAHCON and registered 3,257 intending pilgrims ahead of the exercise.

The additional allocation, however, raises questions about the registration timetable. NAHCON had earlier said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah required biometric data of intending pilgrims to be uploaded to the Nusuk-Masar platform by September 26. The October 1 announcement did not specify a revised deadline for the newly approved slots.