Following Nigeria’s inability to meet up with the 95,000 Hajj slots allocation in 2025, Saudi Arabian authorities has reduced Nigeria’s Hajj quota for 2026 as a penalty and have mandated a minimum of 2,000 slots for each registered tour operator on the NUSUK platform.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) explained that the penalty followed the country’s inability to fully utilise its quota despite having both government and private tour operator pilgrims.
This was disclosed by Commissioner of Operations, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prince Anofiu Elegushiduring a meeting with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, , stating that future allocations would depend on each state’s performance.
He added that, States that failed to fill their 2025 quotas will receive fewer slots in 2026.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure a smooth 2026 pilgrimage. He emphasized the importance of medical screening, as Saudi Arabia strictly enforces health requirements for entry. Usman also noted ongoing negotiations to reduce certain costs, such as cargo handling fees, to ease financial pressure on pilgrims affected by foreign exchange fluctuations.
A CBN representative on the NAHCON board, Dr Adetona Adedeji, pledged to discuss the 2% transaction fee on pilgrims’ payments with the apex bank. NAHCON reminded states to remit funds early to benefit from favourable exchange rates before the December 21 deadline. The 2026 pilgrimage will follow international luggage standards, and individuals with serious health conditions will be barred from traveling.
