Saudi Arabia Rejects Nigeria’s Request for More 2027 Hajj Slots

Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for additional 2027 Hajj slots, leaving the country with an approved quota of 50,000 pilgrims for next year’s pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in the country’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.The decision means Nigeria’s approved quota remains at 50,000 pilgrims for the 2027 pilgrimage.The National Hajj...

• Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for additional 2027 Hajj slots, leaving the country with an approved quota of 50,000 pilgrims for next year’s pilgrimage.
• Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in the country’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.The decision means Nigeria’s approved quota remains at 50,000 pilgrims for the 2027 pilgrimage.The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that it had approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to request additional slots following increased demand from intending Nigerian pilgrims and appeals from state pilgrims’ welfare boards.According to NAHCON, the Saudi authorities cited limited capacity, structural constraints at the holy sites, and the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining approved country quotas under the existing operational framework.NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ambassador Ismail Yusuf said the commission understood the disappointment the decision could cause, intending pilgrims and state pilgrims’ welfare boards that had hoped for additional slots.He said the commission had explored available diplomatic and operational channels to secure an increase but would respect the final decision of the Saudi authorities.Ambassador Yusuf urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, and licensed tour operators to make transparent and proper use of their approved allocations.He also reminded stakeholders that the deadline for uploading the details of prospective 2027 Hajj pilgrims remains September 26, 2026, with no extension expected.The commission said individuals who could not secure a slot for the 2027 pilgrimage may register for the 2028 Hajj, as registration for that exercise has already commenced.Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj quota comprises 35,000 government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators.NAHCON also stated that states are expected to complete payment of all 2027 Hajj fares by December 2, 2026.The commission assured stakeholders that preparations for the 2027 Hajj are continuing and that further operational guidelines would be communicated through its official channels.Meanwhile, the Federal Government has commenced a review of the 1978 Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to secure more airlift opportunities for Nigerian airlines during Hajj operations.
• This story is filed under International News on Glow 99.1 FM.