The government of Saudi Arabia has reduced Nigeria’s Hajj quota for the 2026 pilgrimage, a move that has affected hundreds of intending pilgrims, particularly in Zamfara State.
Officials in Zamfara confirmed that 456 registered pilgrims from the state will no longer be able to participate in this year’s Hajj due to the reduced allocation. The decision follows an overall cut in the number of pilgrimage slots granted to Nigeria.
According to authorities, the reduction was implemented by Saudi officials after Nigeria failed to fully utilise its allocated slots during previous Hajj exercises. As a result, the total number of pilgrims permitted from Nigeria has been scaled down for 2026.
The Zamfara State Hajj Commission stated that the affected pilgrims were removed from the list due to limited space and urged them to remain patient, describing the situation as beyond the state’s control.
The development is expected to increase competition for Hajj slots across the country, while also raising concerns about planning, funding, and coordination of pilgrimage activities in Nigeria.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, attracts millions of Muslims worldwide each year, with Saudi Arabia regulating participation through a quota system allocated to each country.
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