Nigeria’s allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage 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) disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed.
According to the commission, 7,500 of the additional slots have been allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while 2,500 slots have been assigned 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 additional allocation.
He said the additional slots would be administered transparently and in accordance with Nigerian and Saudi regulations.
NAHCON stated that the increase followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Nigerian and Saudi governments.
The commission also noted that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had previously required the biometric data of all intending pilgrims to be uploaded to the designated Nusuk-Masar platform by September 26.
Following the increase in allocation, NAHCON is expected to review its operational timetable, including arrangements for processing pilgrims’ biometric data.
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