The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) raised concerns on Thursday, October 16, 2025, about a significant reduction in slots for Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj.
Saudi authorities allocated only 66,910 spots on the NUSUK Masar platform, despite Nigeria’s official quota of 95,000. This cut limits participation to 51,513 state pilgrims and officials, with 15,397 slots for licensed tour operators.
Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information, explained in a statement that the reduction stems from Nigeria’s failure to fully utilize its 2025 quota.
Last year, only 59,128 pilgrims traveled 41,218 via government slots and 18,000 through private operators, leaving 35,872 slots unused.
Reviewing State Allocations
During a meeting with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, announced that 2026 allocations would depend on each state’s 2025 performance. States that underperformed last year will face the largest cuts. “We’ll adjust allocations based on how states used their slots,” Elegushi said, urging better planning.
NAHCON also held a virtual discussion with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which mandated a minimum of 2,000 slots per tour operator group, all registered on the NUSUK platform.
Calls for Unity and Cost Management
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, stressed the need for collaboration to ensure a successful 2026 Hajj.
“Working together is vital to avoid a crisis,” he said. He also urged states to prioritize medical screenings, as Saudi Arabia enforces strict health rules. Pilgrims with conditions like organ failure, active cancer, or communicable diseases will be denied entry.
To ease financial pressures from fluctuating exchange rates, Usman revealed ongoing talks to lower costs, such as cargo handling fees, without compromising service quality. He cautioned against arbitrary rate cuts, which could harm pilgrim experiences.
Financial and Logistical Plans
Dr. Adetona Adedeji, a NAHCON board member from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), promised to push for a reduction in the CBN’s 2% transaction fee for pilgrims.
NAHCON also advised states to send funds to the CBN promptly to secure favorable exchange rates. A December 21, 2025, deadline for remittances was emphasized, with states encouraged to set earlier internal deadlines.
For 2026, pilgrims will follow international aviation rules, allowing two 23kg checked bags and one carry-on. NAHCON plans a nationwide campaign to stress the urgency of meeting deadlines and preparing adequately.
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