Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj allocation has increased from 50,000 to 60,000 pilgrims after Saudi Arabia approved an additional 10,000 slots for the country.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed.

According to the commission, the additional allocation followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Saudi Arabian authorities.

The 10,000 additional slots have been divided between public and private pilgrimage arrangements. A total of 7,500 slots will go to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 slots will be allocated to seven lead tour operator companies.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the Saudi authorities for the increase.

Yusuf said the additional allocation would be administered transparently and in accordance with applicable Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.

The development comes after Saudi Arabia had initially rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in the 2027 quota in September, leaving the country with an approved allocation of 50,000 pilgrims. At the time, Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and adherence to approved country quotas.

The fresh approval therefore raises Nigeria’s total allocation by 20 per cent, providing additional spaces for intending pilgrims seeking to undertake the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

NAHCON had earlier approved 2027 Hajj fares ranging from ₦7.56 million to ₦7.88 million depending on the pilgrims’ departure zone. The commission also set December 2, 2026, as the deadline for states to complete remittance of Hajj fares.

The commission said it would work with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, commissions and licensed tour operators to ensure effective administration of the additional slots and compliance with operational requirements.