Saudi Arabia Grants Nigeria 10,000 Additional Hajj Slots, Raises 2027 Quota to 60,000
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria, raising the country’s allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 following renewed diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
The decision marks a reversal of an earlier position by Saudi authorities, which had declined Nigeria’s request for an increase and retained the country’s allocation at 50,000 pilgrims—35,000 for state pilgrims and the Federal Capital Territory, and 15,000 for licensed private tour operators.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had said the earlier rejection was based on capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and Saudi Arabia’s policy of adhering to approved country quotas.
However, sustained engagements involving Nigerian government officials and pilgrimage authorities resulted in the additional allocation announced on Thursday, October 1.
Confirming the development, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, described the additional slots as an Independence Anniversary gift to Nigerian Muslims.
“This is an Independence gift to Nigerian Muslim pilgrims,” Yusuf said.
He attributed the development to persistent diplomatic engagement and cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, saying an outcome that appeared difficult only weeks earlier had been achieved through continued dialogue.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said Vice President Kashim Shettima played a coordinating role in the renewed effort, while NAHCON worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh to press Nigeria’s request with Saudi authorities.
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The additional 10,000 slots are expected to ease pressure on state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed tour operators following increased demand from Nigerians seeking to participate in the 2027 pilgrimage.
The development followed concerns among intending pilgrims after Saudi Arabia formally rejected Nigeria’s initial request on September 17.
At the time, NAHCON said it had explored available diplomatic and operational channels but accepted the Saudi decision, while urging stakeholders to make judicious use of the 50,000 slots then available.
The initial rejection also prompted appeals for further diplomatic intervention. Independent Hajj Reporters, a civil society organisation monitoring pilgrimage operations, had urged Saudi authorities to reconsider the decision and called for intervention by the Vice President, citing the number of prospective pilgrims seeking places.
Yusuf said Saudi authorities had also indicated a willingness to consider further increases in Nigeria’s allocation in future Hajj seasons, subject to efficient utilisation of the newly approved slots and compliance with Saudi regulations and operational guidelines.
The development comes as NAHCON implements reforms ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage, including changes to the allocation and regulation of private Hajj operators.
The commission recently confirmed that the original 15,000 private-sector slots had been allocated to licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies and subject to Nigerian and Saudi regulatory requirements.
With the latest approval, Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj allocation now stands at 60,000 pilgrims, providing an additional 10,000 opportunities for prospective pilgrims who faced exclusion under the previous quota.
The announcement coincides with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and comes barely two weeks after the initial Saudi rejection, underscoring the outcome of the subsequent diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Riyadh.
By PRNigeria
