Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for additional slots for the 2027 Hajj, leaving the country with an approved quota of 50,000 pilgrims for next year’s pilgrimage.
The decision followed a request by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for an increase in Nigeria’s allocation amid rising demand from intending pilgrims and appeals from state pilgrims’ welfare boards. 
NAHCON disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
The Saudi authorities reportedly cited capacity constraints, limited facilities at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of retaining previously approved quotas for participating countries as reasons for declining Nigeria’s request.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf, acknowledged the disappointment the decision could cause among intending pilgrims, state authorities and other stakeholders who had hoped for additional spaces.
Yusuf said the commission had explored available diplomatic and operational channels to secure an upward review of Nigeria’s allocation but would respect the final decision of the Saudi authorities.
«“We appreciate the deep spiritual desire of many Nigerian Muslims to perform Hajj and understand the expectations of states and stakeholders seeking additional slots,” Yusuf said.»
He urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to manage their allocations transparently and responsibly, while complying with deadlines set by NAHCON and the Saudi authorities through the Nusuk platform.
The NAHCON chairman also stressed that the September 26, 2026 deadline for uploading the details of prospective 2027 pilgrims remained unchanged.
According to him, there would be no extension of the deadline.
Yusuf further advised Nigerians who are unable to secure slots for the 2027 pilgrimage to consider registering for the 2028 Hajj, noting that NAHCON has already opened the registration portal for the subsequent exercise.
The commission said preparations for the 2027 Hajj were continuing, with further details on operational guidelines and the new business-to-business framework expected to be released through its official communication channels.
Under the approved 50,000-pilgrim quota, 35,000 slots have been allocated to government-sponsored pilgrims, while 15,000 slots are reserved for licensed tour operators.
NAHCON also directed all states to complete payment of their 2027 Hajj fares by December 2, 2026.
In addition, biometric details of intending pilgrims are required to be uploaded on the designated Nusuk-Masar platform on or before the September 26 deadline.
The rejection of Nigeria’s request means that, unless Saudi authorities revise the allocation later, the country will proceed with the existing 50,000-slot quota for the 2027 pilgrimage.
