Saudi allocates 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria, removes age limit

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved 95,000 Hajj slots to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), ahead of the 2023 pilgrimage.

Director General in charge of Hajj Missions at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Bahauddeen bin Yusuf Alwani, made this known during a preparatory meeting for Hajj Season 1444AH, via a video conference with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan. He added that the Ministry granted Nigeria the previous allocation hitherto enjoyed by the country.

According to a statement issued, yesterday, by Mallam Mousa Ubandawaki, NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Information and Publications, other guidelines included removal of age barrier or limit and cancellation of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for pilgrims.

The Ministry also granted NAHCON the right of choice of package for pilgrims’ services from the Mutawwiffs of African Non-Arab countries.

“In addition, the Ministry also stated that, henceforth, any payment to service providers must be through the e-track or e-wallet platforms, as the Kingdom will not take responsibilities for payment outside the two platforms.”

In his response, Hassan expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for restoring Nigeria’s Hajj allocation. He said it was heartwarming that the Kingdom, through the Ministry of Hajj, has restored the hope and confidence of many prospective Nigerian pilgrims.