Saudi Arabia rejects Nigeria's request for higher Hajj quota

Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request to increase its Hajj pilgrimage quota for 2027, maintaining the current allocation of 50,000 slots. Amb. Ismail Yusuf, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), announced the decision during a media roundtable in Abuja.

According to Yusuf, the Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations and the advanced stage of pilgrimage preparations as the reasons for denying the increase. While Nigeria appealed for more slots to accommodate the high number of interested nationals, the 50,000 quota remains “sacrosanct.”

Saudi Arabia has indicated it may review Nigeria’s allocation in the following year. This potential adjustment will depend on how effectively Nigeria utilizes its current quota, with performance assessments focusing on the country’s ability to fully use the assigned 50,000 slots.