The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclosed that 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 Commission said it had formally engaged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek additional slots in response to growing demand from intending pilgrims across the country and requests from various State Pilgrims Welfare Boards for increased allocations.

But according to a statement by the commission on Thursday, Saudi authorities declined the request, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of adhering strictly to approved country quotas under the existing operational framework.

Under the allocation, Nigeria will have 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators, bringing the total approved quota for the 2027 Hajj to 50,000 pilgrims.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, acknowledged the disappointment that the decision could cause intending pilgrims, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and other stakeholders who had expected an increase.

Yusuf said the Commission had explored available diplomatic and operational channels to secure additional slots but would respect the final decision of the Saudi authorities.

“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,” he said.

The NAHCON chairman urged State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to ensure judicious and transparent utilisation of their approved allocations.

He directed stakeholders to comply strictly with deadlines set by the Commission and the Saudi Nusuk platform.

Yusuf specifically reminded all concerned that the deadline for uploading the details of prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj remains September 26, 2026, stressing that there would be no extension.

“Kindly note that the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ data remains September 26, 2026.

“We urge all partners, state pilgrim boards, tour operators and representatives to ensure that all required information is submitted before this date, as no extensions will be granted,” he said.

The NAHCON chairman advised intending pilgrims who are unable to secure slots under the approved 2027 allocation not to lose hope, noting that preparations for the 2028 Hajj had already commenced.

He disclosed that the Commission had opened the registration portal for the 2028 pilgrimage, allowing interested applicants to commence registration.

Yusuf reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to transparency, equity and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, assuring stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 Hajj were progressing.

He added that further information on operational guidelines and the implementation of the new business-to-business framework for the 2027 Hajj would be communicated through the Commission’s official channels.

The Commission appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate with the approved quota arrangements, noting that adherence to Saudi Arabia’s allocation system is a requirement applicable to participating countries and is intended to support effective management of the pilgrimage.