Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria, increasing the country’s allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development in a statement signed by its Head of Information and Publications, Shafii Sani Mohammed.
The Commission said the additional allocation followed sustained engagements between the Nigerian Government and Saudi Arabian authorities on increasing Nigeria’s Hajj quota.
Under the new arrangement, 7,500 of the additional slots will be allocated to state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions.
The remaining 2,500 slots will be distributed among seven approved lead tour operators.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, described the increased allocation as a reflection of the cooperation between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia in facilitating the annual pilgrimage.
Yusuf said the Commission would ensure that the additional slots were distributed fairly and in line with the applicable regulations and operational requirements of both countries.
He added that state pilgrims’ agencies and licensed private tour operators would be involved in implementing the new allocation.
The latest development gives more Nigerian Muslims the opportunity to participate in the 2027 Hajj, subject to the arrangements and requirements to be announced by the relevant authorities.
