Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage has increased to 60,000 following the approval of an additional 10,000 slots by Saudi Arabia.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development on Thursday, saying the increase followed sustained engagements between the Nigerian and Saudi Arabian authorities.
The additional allocation will be shared between state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions, as well as selected tour operators.
According to NAHCON, 7,500 of the new slots have been allocated to state-level Muslim pilgrims’ welfare bodies, while the remaining 2,500 will go to seven lead tour operator companies.
The new allocation brings Nigeria’s total number of available Hajj slots from the previously approved 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.
NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and Saudi authorities for the additional slots, describing the development as an opportunity to accommodate more Nigerian pilgrims.
He assured intending pilgrims that the allocation would be administered transparently and in line with the relevant Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations.
The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to making the pilgrimage accessible and maintaining standards in service delivery, accountability and operational efficiency.
The initial 50,000 allocation comprised 35,000 slots for government-sponsored pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators.
Meanwhile, NAHCON had previously announced that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah required intending pilgrims to have their biometric information uploaded to the designated Nusuk-Masar platform by September 26.
The commission is expected to provide further guidance on the implementation of the expanded allocation, including any adjustments that may be required to existing registration and biometric timelines.
NAHCON said it would continue working with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination of the 2027 pilgrimage and protect the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
