NAHCON Denies Rejecting Hajj Slots, Says Saudi Policy Reduced Nigeria’s Quota
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed claims that Nigeria lost 20,000 Hajj slots due to a purported rejection by its leadership, describing the reports as inaccurate and misleading.
Findings by PRNigeria indicate that the reduction in Nigeria’s Hajj contingent stems from a global policy introduced by Saudi Arabian authorities, not any decision by NAHCON.
According to the report, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in December 2025, implemented a worldwide cut in Hajj quotas to address overcrowding and enhance safety for pilgrims.
As a result, Nigeria’s allocation dropped significantly from about 95,000 to 50,000 pilgrims.
Contrary to widespread claims, investigations revealed that NAHCON formally appealed for an increase in Nigeria’s quota, but the requests were declined by Saudi authorities.
The approved quota was subsequently distributed through Nigeria’s established framework, with 40,250 slots allocated to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and 9,750 reserved for licensed private tour operators.
Reacting to the controversy, NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Abba Yusuf, described the narrative of rejected slots as false.
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“At no point did Nigeria reject any Hajj slots. On the contrary, we formally requested for additional allocation, but the Saudi authorities declined. The reduction is a global policy decision, not a local administrative action,” he said.
He added that the commission remains committed to efficient management of the allocated slots in line with Saudi guidelines and in the best interest of Nigerian pilgrims.
PRNigeria further gathered that the reduction is linked to stricter health and safety requirements introduced by Saudi Arabia, including mandatory medical fitness certification, compulsory vaccinations, and the exclusion of individuals with severe underlying health conditions.
Enhanced screening measures at entry points have also been introduced to safeguard pilgrims.
Sources close to NAHCON confirmed that Nigeria sought additional slots, but the request was not approved, describing claims of rejection as unfounded.
The commission clarified that its role is limited to coordination, logistics, and compliance for Nigerian pilgrims and does not extend to determining quota allocations set by Saudi authorities.
The development, observers say, reflects a broader global effort to ensure a safer and more controlled Hajj exercise rather than any administrative lapse on Nigeria’s part.
By PRNigeria
