By Abdullahi Inuwa
Thousands of Nigerian Muslims hoping to undertake the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage could be left waiting after Saudi Arabia turned down Nigeria’s request for an increase in its pilgrimage allocation.
The development has triggered a fresh appeal from the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), which is urging the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reconsider its decision and accommodate Nigeria’s growing demand for additional slots.
The civil society organisation, in a statement issued on Saturday by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, said the request deserved another look, particularly in view of improvements recorded in Nigeria’s Hajj registration, payment and operational processes.
The appeal came after the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed that Saudi Arabia had declined its request for an upward review of Nigeria’s 2027 Hajj quota.
NAHCON had explained that it sought additional slots to meet rising demand from intending pilgrims across the country, as well as requests received from various State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
But with the Saudi decision leaving Nigeria’s allocation unchanged, IHR said thousands of intending pilgrims now find themselves on a waiting list, hoping that further diplomatic engagement could unlock additional spaces.
The group urged Saudi authorities to consider Nigeria’s recent operational improvements and give the country an opportunity to accommodate more pilgrims.
According to IHR, Nigeria previously ranked among the countries with the largest Hajj contingents, with an average allocation of about 95,000 pilgrims.
The organisation also called on Vice President Kashim Shettima to intervene diplomatically by engaging the relevant Saudi authorities in support of NAHCON’s request.
IHR said the stakes were particularly high for intending pilgrims who had already spent considerable time waiting for the opportunity to perform Hajj.
“Thousands of Nigerian intending Hajj pilgrims are currently in the queue in anticipation of additional slots,” the organisation said, noting that some of those on the waiting list may not get another opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage if they miss the 2027 exercise.
Why IHR Wants a Fresh Review
The group acknowledged that Nigeria had faced challenges in previous years, particularly with late registration and payment by intending pilgrims.
It noted that such delays had contributed to Nigeria’s inability to fully utilise its allocated quota in some previous Hajj seasons.
However, IHR argued that the situation had changed significantly, pointing to what it described as stronger adherence to NAHCON’s Hajj calendar and improvements in the registration and payment process.
The organisation said the reforms had helped ensure more timely utilisation of Nigeria’s allocated slots, while increased enlightenment campaigns had also improved intending pilgrims’ understanding of Hajj operations.
IHR further said Nigerian pilgrims were now better informed about what to expect in the Holy Land and the need to comply with rules designed to ensure the smooth management of the pilgrimage.
The group therefore appealed to Saudi Arabia to take the reported improvements into consideration and reconsider Nigeria’s request.
It said the country’s renewed focus on early registration, timely payments, pilgrim education and operational coordination provided grounds for confidence that any additional allocation would be effectively utilised.
Diplomatic Window
For IHR, the issue is now beyond the number of spaces available; it is also about whether Nigeria can secure additional opportunities for thousands of Muslims already waiting to embark on the sacred journey.
The organisation consequently urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia while NAHCON continues its efforts to secure more slots.
It expressed hope that further discussions between the two countries could produce a favourable outcome for Nigerian intending pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
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