Nigeria Secures 10,000 Additional Hajj Slots as Total Allocation Reaches 60,000

In a major diplomatic and administrative victory for Nigerian Muslim faithful, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has formally confirmed the acquisition of an additional 10,000 Hajj slots from the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The latest concession effectively elevates Nigeria’s total pilgrim allocation from an initial 50,000 to 60,000.

The announcement was conveyed in an official statement released by NAHCON’s Head of Information and Publications Division, Shafii Mohammed. According to the commission, the newly negotiated quota is strategically partitioned to address surging backlogs across sub-national pilgrim agencies and private operators, with 7,500 slots earmarked for State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies, and Commissions, while the remaining 2,500 slots are allocated to accredited private tour operators.

This successful negotiation follows intensive bilateral engagements led by the leadership of NAHCON and key Nigerian diplomatic envoys in Riyadh and Jeddah. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah granted the upward review in recognition of Nigeria's operational readiness and persistent requests from prospective pilgrims seeking to fulfill the fundamental pillar of Islam.