Saudi Arabia has rejected Nigeria’s request for an increase in its allocation for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, leaving the country with a total quota of 50,000 pilgrims.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed that it had approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek additional slots in response to rising demand from Nigerians wishing to perform the pilgrimage.

The request also followed appeals from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards seeking higher allocations to accommodate more intending pilgrims.

However, Saudi authorities declined the request, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the Kingdom’s policy of maintaining approved country quotas under the current operational framework.

Under the existing arrangement, Nigeria has been allocated 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and another 15,000 slots for pilgrims travelling through licensed tour operators.

This brings Nigeria’s total approved allocation for the 2027 Hajj to 50,000 pilgrims.

NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, acknowledged that the decision could disappoint intending pilgrims and state pilgrimage authorities that had hoped for additional spaces.

Yusuf said the commission had explored available diplomatic and operational channels to secure an increase but would respect the final decision of the Saudi authorities.

He urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to ensure that the approved allocations are managed transparently and in accordance with the relevant guidelines.

NAHCON also reminded stakeholders that the deadline for uploading the details of prospective pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj remains September 26, 2026, with the commission warning that no extension would be granted.

The commission further advised Nigerians who are unable to secure places under the 2027 allocation to consider registering for the 2028 pilgrimage, noting that preparations for the subsequent Hajj season have already commenced.

NAHCON said it would continue to provide updates on the operational guidelines and arrangements for the 2027 Hajj while working to ensure transparency and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.