Nigeria Gets Extra 10,000 Hajj Slots for 2027

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that Saudi Arabia has given Nigeria an extra 10,000 Hajj slots for the 2027 pilgrimage.

NAHCON shared this news in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Shafii Mohammed, who leads the commission’s information and publications division, made the announcement.

Mr Mohammed explained that this new allocation raises Nigeria’s total Hajj slots from 50,000 to 60,000 for 2027.

He added that this increase is due to ongoing high-level talks between the Nigerian government and Saudi Arabia.

The additional 10,000 slots will be shared among State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissions, and licensed private tour operators.

Out of the new slots, 7,500 will go to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies, and Commissions. The remaining 2,500 slots will be given to seven leading tour operator companies.

“Therefore, the additional 10,000 slots are part of Nigeria’s existing 50,000-slot allocation. This brings the total number of pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj to 60,000,” he said.

Isma’il Yusuf, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, thanked the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, for its ongoing support for the Hajj sector.

Mr Yusuf also thanked the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques and the Saudi government, especially the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Deputy Minister, Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.

He called the extra allocation a “significant gesture of goodwill” from Saudi Arabia towards Nigeria and its pilgrims.

The NAHCON chairman noted that this development shows the good relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, especially in helping Nigerians perform Hajj.

Mr Yusuf promised that the extra slots would be managed “judiciously, transparently and in full compliance” with the rules of both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

He assured that the commission would collaborate with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissions, and licensed private tour operators to manage the new allocation effectively.

Mr Yusuf emphasized NAHCON’s commitment to making Hajj affordable and accessible for Nigerians while ensuring quality service delivery, accountability, and operational efficiency.

He added that the commission would keep working with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to protect the dignity, welfare, and interests of Nigerian pilgrims.