A late approval from Saudi authorities has left thousands of Nigerian pilgrims facing possible exclusion from the 2026 Hajj, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The problem emerged after Saudi Arabia’s electronic portal for pilgrims’ data registration was shut before Nigeria could fully utilise an expanded Hajj quota. Although Nigeria recently secured an increase in its allocation, the approval reportedly came too close to the deadline to be operationally effective.
Earlier in the planning cycle, Saudi authorities had slashed Nigeria’s Hajj quota from 95,000 to 50,000. Following diplomatic engagements, Nigerian officials succeeded in restoring additional slots, but NAHCON said the timing proved critical.
In a statement released Friday, NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Usara, explained that the extra allocation was granted after Saudi Arabia had already closed its key registration systems.
She said, “You may wish to recall that following the reduction of Nigeria’s Hajj quota to 50,000, NAHCON convened a meeting with State officials and formally cancelled earlier allocations, adopting a first-come, first-served policy based on confirmed remittances.”
According to Usara, states that moved quickly were able to secure places for their pilgrims. “Many Boards subsequently secured funding and made payments accordingly. Thereafter, Camp bookings were allocated based on remittances completed by January 2, which was the deadline.
However few states including Kaduna and Niger states received limited additional allocations later which was made possible through internal spooling from some states that paid excess.”
NAHCON noted that it had consistently warned against delays, stressing that Saudi authorities would enforce timelines strictly. Despite later efforts to obtain more slots, the commission said access to the system was no longer possible.
“Although NAHCON sought additional slots later, approval for the additional slots was received after Saudi’s key operational portals had closed.
The commission appeals to pilgrims who paid late to remain calm and patient, assuring them that updates will be communicated as necessary,” Usara said.
For now, affected pilgrims have been advised to wait for further guidance as negotiations and internal reviews continue.
