Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for additional pilgrim slots for the 2027 Hajj, maintaining the country’s approved allocation at 50,000 pilgrims.
The decision was communicated to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) during consultations with Saudi Hajj authorities, where Nigeria had sought an increase in its allocation ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
According to NAHCON, Saudi officials explained that the request could not be granted because of capacity limitations and the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining established country quotas for participating nations.
The commission said the 50,000-pilgrim quota approved for Nigeria remains unchanged and will serve as the official allocation for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
Saudi Arabia allocates Hajj quotas to countries based on a formula that takes into account population and the operational capacity of the holy sites in Makkah, Mina, Arafat and other pilgrimage locations. The quota system is intended to ensure the safe and orderly movement of millions of pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage.
NAHCON said it would continue preparations for the 2027 Hajj within the approved allocation, urging intending pilgrims and state pilgrims’ boards to work with the existing quota while registration and other planning processes continue.
The commission added that it remains committed to ensuring a smooth and well-coordinated pilgrimage despite the refusal of the request for additional slots.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
