Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj Allocation Rises to 60,000 as Saudi Arabia Approves Extra Slots

Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage has increased from 50,000 to 60,000 after the Saudi Arabian authorities approved an additional 10,000 slots for Nigerian pilgrims.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed.

The commission explained that the additional allocation was secured following continued engagements between the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian governments over preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage.

According to NAHCON, 7,500 of the additional slots have been allocated to state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, agencies and commissions, while the remaining 2,500 slots have been reserved for seven lead tour operator companies.

The development means that Nigeria will now have a total of 60,000 slots for the 2027 Hajj, giving more intending pilgrims the opportunity to undertake the annual religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Saudi Arabian authorities for the increase in Nigeria’s allocation.

Yusuf said the additional slots demonstrated the continued cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the allocation process was conducted transparently.

He added that the slots would be administered in accordance with relevant Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations, as well as the operational requirements guiding the Hajj exercise.

The NAHCON chairman further stated that the commission remained committed to making Hajj more accessible and affordable to Nigerians while ensuring improved standards of service, accountability and efficiency throughout the pilgrimage process.

He also assured intending pilgrims that NAHCON would continue to collaborate with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, state pilgrim welfare agencies, licensed tour operators and other relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage.

Before the latest increase, Nigeria had been allocated 50,000 Hajj slots for 2027. Of the initial allocation, 35,000 slots were designated for government-sponsored pilgrims, while 15,000 were allocated to licensed private tour operators.

The commission had earlier announced that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah required the biometric information of all intending pilgrims to be uploaded onto the designated Nusuk-Masar platform within the stipulated deadline.

Following the approval of the additional 10,000 slots, NAHCON may now review some aspects of its existing preparations, including registration arrangements and timelines for the submission of pilgrims’ biometric information.

The commission said it would continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and Nigerian stakeholders to ensure that preparations for the 2027 Hajj were properly coordinated.

NAHCON also reaffirmed that the welfare, safety and dignity of Nigerian pilgrims would remain central to its preparations, with efforts focused on ensuring effective services throughout the pilgrimage.

The increase in Nigeria’s Hajj allocation is expected to ease some of the pressure arising from the limited number of available slots and provide additional opportunities for eligible Nigerian Muslims wishing to perform the 2027 pilgrimage.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep