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NAHCON Secures Additional 10,000 Hajj Slots for 2027

by admin on | 2026-10-02 17:49:15

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NAHCON Secures Additional 10,000 Hajj Slots for 2027

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has secured an additional 10,000 Hajj slots from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2027 pilgrimage, bringing Nigeria’s total allocation from 50,000 to 60,000.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, announced this during the General Assembly of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, held at the National Mosque Complex, Abuja.

The announcement followed a request for clarification by the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, on registration deadlines and logistical schedules for the 2027 Hajj.

The traditional ruler stressed the importance of timely and accurate information to enable traditional rulers and State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to properly guide intending pilgrims and ensure smooth preparations across the country.

Responding, Ambassador Yusuf confirmed that the additional 10,000 slots had been approved by the Saudi authorities to accommodate more Nigerian Muslims wishing to perform the pilgrimage.

He explained that 7,500 of the additional slots had been allocated to State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, while 2,500 had been allocated to seven lead licensed tour operators.

The NAHCON Chairman urged traditional rulers, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and other relevant agencies to encourage early registration by intending pilgrims.

He said strict adherence to registration deadlines and operational schedules was necessary to align Nigeria’s Hajj preparations with Saudi Arabia’s digitised Hajj management portals and logistics requirements.

Ambassador Yusuf expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its continued support and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

He also commended the Government of Saudi Arabia, particularly the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Deputy Minister, Dr Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, for the additional allocation and continued cooperation with Nigeria.

The NAHCON Chairman said the development further reflects the cordial relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia and the cooperation between both countries in facilitating the Hajj journey of Nigerian pilgrims.

He assured that the additional slots would be administered judiciously and transparently, in line with applicable Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.

Ambassador Yusuf reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring that Hajj remains affordable and accessible to Nigerians, while maintaining high standards of service delivery, accountability, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

The General Assembly also coincided with a special national prayer organised at the National Mosque Complex.

The prayer brought together Islamic scholars, Chief Imams and traditional rulers from across the six geopolitical zones to pray for peace, economic stability, national security and divine guidance for the country’s leadership.

The NAHCON Chairman further assured that the Commission would continue to work closely with Saudi authorities and other stakeholders to ensure a well-coordinated 2027 Hajj and safeguard the welfare and interests of Nigerian pilgrims.