Quota Reduction Announced by NAHCON
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has significantly reduced Nigeria's Hajj allocation for the 2026 pilgrimage, setting the new quota at 66,910 slots. This decision was officially communicated by Nigeria's National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), which stated that the reduction stems from the country's underutilization of its allocated slots during the 2025 Hajj exercise. The announcement was made during a meeting between NAHCON and officials of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards in Abuja.
According to NAHCON, the actual Mashair (camp) space reserved for Nigerian pilgrims on Saudi Arabia's NUSUK Masar portal is 66,910 slots. This figure is a notable decrease from the 95,000 slots that were initially allocated to Nigeria. The breakdown of the new allocation designates 51,513 slots for state pilgrims and officials, while 15,397 slots are reserved for licensed tour operators.
Underutilization of 2025 Hajj Quota
The primary reason cited for the reduction is Nigeria's failure to fully utilize its 95,000-slot quota in 2025. NAHCON reported that only 59,128 pilgrims eventually participated in the 2025 Hajj. This total comprised 41,218 pilgrims under the government quota and an additional 18,000 who traveled through private tour operators. Consequently, a substantial number of 35,872 slots remained unutilized.
Prince Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON's Commissioner of Operations, indicated that future allocations would be reviewed based on each state's performance in the preceding Hajj. States that failed to fill their quotas in 2025 are expected to be most affected by this new adjustment.
NAHCON's Response and New Regulations
In response to the reduced quota and to prepare for the 2026 Hajj, NAHCON has outlined several measures and new regulations. The commission is currently engaged in discussions with service providers to negotiate reductions in certain cost components, such as cargo handling charges, aiming to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerians. Additionally, Dr. Adetona Adedeji, a NAHCON Board Member representing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), pledged to advocate for a reduction in the 2% charge currently imposed on pilgrims' transactions.
New directives for the 2026 Hajj include:
- Stricter health regulations from Saudi authorities, requiring thorough medical screening for intending pilgrims.
- A new luggage policy aligning with international aviation standards, allowing each pilgrim two 23kg checked-in bags and one hand luggage.
- A firm remittance deadline of December 21, 2025, for all Hajj funds, with state boards advised to set earlier internal deadlines.
Implications for Nigerian Pilgrims
The reduction in slots means that over 25,000 intending Nigerian pilgrims may be unable to participate in the 2026 Hajj. This significant cut poses considerable challenges for planning and allocation at both state and national levels. NAHCON Chairman, Abdullahi Usman, urged state executive secretaries to collaborate to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation despite the reduced capacity.
7 Comments
Donatello
Absolutely outrageous! Thousands of faithful pilgrims will now be denied. NAHCON failed them.
Leonardo
It's good to see NAHCON negotiating costs, as Hajj is a spiritual journey for many. Still, the root cause of underutilization needs deeper investigation beyond just state performance, to ensure such cuts aren't repeated.
Loubianka
The Hajj is already so expensive, and now fewer can go. It's becoming a privilege, not a right.
Noir Black
This is a massive blow to Nigerian Muslims. Underutilization is an administrative failure, not the pilgrims'.
ZmeeLove
This will force better planning and accountability from state boards. No more wasted slots.
lettlelenok
The reduction highlights NAHCON's past inefficiencies, yet their current efforts to reduce costs are commendable. Hopefully, affordability improves for future pilgrims.
ytkonos
Stricter health and luggage rules are for everyone's benefit. Safety first!