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By GARBA MUHAMMAD
Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria, raising the country’s allocation for the 2027 pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the increase, saying it followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by NAHCON’s Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed.
The development represents an increase on the earlier 50,000-slot allocation for Nigeria.
NAHCON said 7,500 of the additional slots would go to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while 2,500 would be allocated to the seven lead Tour Operator companies.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, described the additional allocation as a significant development and expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued support and engagement on issues affecting the Hajj sector and Nigerian pilgrims.
Yusuf also thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi 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 their cooperation with Nigeria.
According to him, the additional allocation reflects the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as well as continuing cooperation between both countries in facilitating the Hajj journey for Nigerian pilgrims.
He assured that the additional 10,000 slots would be administered judiciously and transparently in accordance with Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.
NAHCON, he said, would work closely with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions and licensed private Tour Operators in administering the expanded allocation.
Yusuf reiterated the Commission’s commitment to making Hajj affordable and accessible to Nigerians while strengthening service delivery, regulatory compliance, accountability and operational efficiency.
He further pledged continued collaboration with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders towards a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj and the protection of the dignity, welfare and interests of Nigerian pilgrims.
