The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved an additional 10,000 Hajj slots for Nigeria for the 2027 pilgrimage.

NAHCON disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Shafii Mohammed.

Mr Mohammed noted that the additional allocation increases Nigeria’s total Hajj quota from the existing 50,000 slots to 60,000 for the 2027 pilgrimage.

The NAHCON spokesperson added that the increase followed sustained high-level diplomatic engagements between the federal government and Saudi Arabia.

According to him, the additional 10,000 slots will be distributed among state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions, as well as licensed private tour operators.

He explained that 7,500 of the additional slots had been allocated to state welfare boards, agencies and commissions, adding that the remaining 2,500 slots would be allocated to seven lead tour operator companies.

“Accordingly, the additional 10,000 slots represent an expansion of Nigeria’s existing 50,000-slot allocation, bringing the overall national allocation for the 2027 Hajj to 60,000 pilgrims,” he said.

Meanwhile, NAHCON chairman and chief executive officer Isma’il Yusuf expressed profound appreciation to the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu, for its continued support and commitment to the Hajj sector.

Mr Yusuf also appreciated the custodian of the two Holy Mosques and the government of Saudi Arabia, particularly the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and the deputy minister, Abdul Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat.

He described the additional allocation as a “significant gesture of goodwill” by the Saudi authorities towards Nigeria and its pilgrims.

The NAHCON chairman said the development further reflected the cordial and long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly the cooperation between both countries in facilitating the Hajj journey.

Yusuf assured that the additional slots would be administered “judiciously, transparently and in full compliance” with applicable Nigerian and Saudi Arabian regulations and operational requirements.

(NAN)