Nigeria explains allocation of 15,000 Hajj slots — Premium Times Nigeria
Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) said that 15,000 slots for private tour operators for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage were allocated in accordance with national rules and the requirements of the Saudi authorities. Premium Times Nigeria reports.
According to the commission, the slots were received by licensed operators working through seven approved lead companies. NAHCON noted that these companies are registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and other relevant regulatory bodies, have completed the required procedures, and hold licences for the 2027 Hajj season.
Dispute over the quota
NAHCON’s statement came in response to claims by some private operators about the alleged diversion of around 5,000 slots allocated to the private sector. The commission rejected these accusations, stating that no evidence had been provided of violations of Saudi Arabia’s rules, guidelines, or other regulations governing the organisation of Hajj in Nigeria.
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Nigeria’s total approved quota for the 2027 Hajj is 50,000 slots. Of these, 35,000 are allocated to the country’s states and the Federal Capital Territory, while another 15,000 are allocated to licensed private tour operators. Earlier, Saudi Arabia rejected Nigeria’s request for additional slots, citing capacity constraints, infrastructure limitations at the holy sites, and the need to comply with approved national quotas.
Registration deadline
NAHCON urged private operators to meet the requirements of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and upload the biometric and registration data of prospective pilgrims to the Nusuk-Masar platform by 26 September 2026. The commission stressed that the deadline was set by the Saudi side and that it therefore has no authority to extend it.
The commission also advised pilgrims who registered through private travel agencies to check whether their data had been entered into the platform. NAHCON said that operators who fail to meet the requirements before the system closes will be held responsible for the consequences; the commission may impose sanctions, including suspending or revoking licences.
