Nigeria Faces Reduced Hajj Slots for 2026

October 17, 2025

2 minutes read

HAJJ

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.


Venezuela Closes Oslo Embassy After Nobel Prize Award

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

China

Trump Says China Tariffs Unsustainable, Blames Beijing

On Friday, October 17, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump admitted his proposed 100% tariffs on ...

ZICO

Zico Names Jay-Jay Okocha as Greatest African Footballer

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Brazilian football icon Zico declared former Nigerian star Austin “Jay-Jay” ...

Peru-Jeri

Peru Protests Kill One, Injure Police After Jeri’s Rise

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Peru’s ombudsman reported one death and many police injuries from ...

RONALDO

Ronaldo Tops Football Earnings List Again

On Friday, October 17, 2025, a new report crowned Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo as the ...

Features

Countries Aircraft

African Countries with the Largest Military Aircraft Fleets in 2025

Africa’s military aircraft fleets are key for defense, surveillance, and peacekeeping. In 2025, several nations ...

Countries

Top 10 African Countries with Best Salaries in 2025

Africa’s job market is growing fast. In 2025, some countries offer great pay. This list ...

Kanye West

New Documentary Explores Kanye West’s Turbulent Journey

A new documentary, In Whose Name?, directed by Nico Ballesteros, offers an intimate look at ...

japa

Top 9 African Countries Sending Immigrants to the United States

Africa’s influence in the United States continues to expand through immigration. Many individuals from the ...

GOLD_3_6

Top 10 Countries Benefiting from Gold Trading in 2025

Gold trading drives wealth for nations with large reserves. In 2025, countries with significant gold ...

FNB-Stadium

Top 10 Most Expensive Stadiums in Africa for 2025

Africa’s sports infrastructure shines with world-class stadiums built for football, rugby, and major events. These ...

Gold

Top Gold-Producing Countries in Africa for 2025

Africa remains a global leader in gold production, contributing significantly to the world’s supply. In ...

digital-nomad-visa

Top 10 Digital Nomad Visa Countries for 2025

As remote work continues to thrive, digital nomad visas offer professionals the chance to live ...

Latest News

Today in History

Error: cURL error 28: Connection timed out after 5000 milliseconds

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.59
GH Ghana Cedi11.1
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,681
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,468.5
CF CFA Franc BEAC562.0465
17 Oct · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 17 Oct 2025 17:05 UTC
Latest change: 17 Oct 2025 17:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?