Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage has increased by 10,000 slots after Saudi Arabia approved an additional quota for the country.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development on Thursday, saying the approval followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.
The new allocation raises Nigeria’s total quota from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj.
According to NAHCON, 7,500 of the additional slots will be allocated to state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions, while 2,500 slots will go to seven lead licensed tour operator companies.
The development comes less than two weeks after Saudi Arabia had initially rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase, citing capacity and operational constraints at the holy sites. At the time, NAHCON said the country’s allocation would remain at 50,000.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities for the additional allocation.
He said the new slots would be administered transparently and in accordance with Nigerian and Saudi regulations, while reaffirming the commission’s commitment to improving the welfare and experience of Nigerian pilgrims.
The increase is expected to provide additional opportunities for Nigerian Muslims seeking to perform the annual pilgrimage to Makkah in 2027.
