Nigeria has secured additional 10,000 slots from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the 2027 Hajj.
This is contained in a press release signed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s Head, Information and Publications Division, Shafii Sani Mohammed, on Thursday .
Mohammed disclosed that the approval followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The release pointed out that the additional allocation brings Nigeria’s total Hajj allocation for the next pilgrimage from 50,000 to 60,000 slots.
The statement reads in part: “For clarity, the 10,000 additional slots have been distributed as follows: “7,500 slots to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions; and 2,500 slots to the seven (7) lead Tour Operator companies.
“Accordingly, the additional 10,000 slots represent an expansion of Nigeria’s existing 50,000-slot allocation, bringing the overall national allocation for the 2027 Hajj to 60,000 pilgrims”.
Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf, expressed the
Commission’s profound appreciation to the FG under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for its continued support, guidance and commitment to the Hajj sector and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
Yusuf also expressed the Commission’s sincere appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat, for the Kingdom’s continued cooperation and this significant gesture of goodwill towards Nigeria and its pilgrims.
The boss noted that the additional allocation further reflects the cordial and longstanding relations between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the close cooperation between the two countries in facilitating the Hajj journey of Nigerian pilgrims.
He assured that the additional slots would be administered judiciously, transparently and in full compliance with applicable Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements, in collaboration with the relevant State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions and licensed Private Tour Operators.
