Saudi Arabia rejects Nigeria’s request for more 2027 Hajj slots

Saudi Arabia has declined a request from Nigeria to increase its Hajj pilgrimage allocation for 2027. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced that the country’s quota will remain at 50,000 pilgrims.

The total allocation consists of 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators. NAHCON officials stated that the request for an upward review was made to address growing demand from Nigerian Muslims and appeals from various state pilgrims’ welfare boards.

Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations, structural constraints within the holy sites, and a strict policy of adhering to approved country quotas as the reasons for the rejection. Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, Chairman and CEO of NAHCON, noted that while the Commission explored all diplomatic and operational channels, it respects the final decision based on the Kingdom’s operational realities.