The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has secured an additional 10,000 slots for Nigerian pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj following diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The additional allocation brings Nigeria’s total Hajj quota for 2027 to 60,000, up from the initial 50,000 slots.
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In a statement signed by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed, NAHCON said the additional slots were secured through sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
The Commission disclosed that 7,500 of the additional slots had been allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 would go to seven lead Hajj tour operator companies.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government for their continued support and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
He also commended the Saudi Arabian government, particularly the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Deputy Minister, Dr. Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, for approving the additional allocation.
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Ambassador Yusuf described the development as a reflection of the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and the cooperation between both countries in facilitating the annual pilgrimage.
He assured Nigerians that the additional slots would be distributed transparently and in accordance with applicable Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations.
The NAHCON chairman said the Commission would work closely with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed private tour operators to ensure the effective administration of the additional slots.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to making Hajj affordable and accessible to Nigerians while maintaining high standards of service delivery, accountability and operational efficiency.
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Ambassador Yusuf further pledged that NAHCON would continue collaborating with Saudi Arabian authorities and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated 2027 Hajj exercise.
He said the Commission remained committed to protecting the dignity, welfare and interests of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.