Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj has increased to 60,000 following the approval of an additional 10,000 slots by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed.
Of the new slots, 7,500 will go to state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions, while the remaining 2,500 will be shared among seven lead tour operator companies.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf, commended the Federal Government and the Saudi authorities for approving the additional slots.
He said the commission would ensure that the new allocation was handled transparently and in accordance with the rules governing Hajj operations in both countries.
The statement read, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria for the 2027 Hajj, following sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The additional allocation brings Nigeria’s total Hajj allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 slots.
“For clarity, the 10,000 additional slots have been distributed as follows: 7,500 slots to state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions; and 2,500 slots to the seven (7) lead tour operator companies.
“Accordingly, the additional 10,000 slots represent an expansion of Nigeria’s existing 50,000-slot allocation, bringing the overall national allocation for the 2027 Hajj to 60,000 pilgrims.
“The Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed the Commission’s profound appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its continued support, guidance and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.”
Yusuf further said NAHCON would continue to collaborate with Saudi officials and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of the 2027 pilgrimage.
He also stressed the commission’s intention to maintain proper service delivery, accountability and compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the process.
The statement stated, “Ambassador Yusuf reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring that Hajj remains affordable and accessible to Nigerians, while maintaining high standards of service delivery, regulatory compliance, accountability and operational efficiency.
“He further reaffirmed that the commission will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj and safeguard the dignity, welfare and overall interests of Nigerian pilgrims.”
Before the latest increase, Nigeria had been given 50,000 places for the 2027 pilgrimage. The figure comprised 35,000 slots for government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 for licensed tour operators.
Meanwhile, NAHCON had earlier informed intending pilgrims that their biometric information was required on the Nusuk-Masar platform by September 26, following a directive from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The commission is expected to reconsider the earlier timetable following the increase in Nigeria’s Hajj allocation.
