CSO Appeals To Saudi Arabia For More Hajj Slots For Nigeria

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation, has appealed to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reconsider its decision to reject Nigeria’s request for additional slots for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by IHR’s National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, the organisation urged Saudi authorities to approve the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) request for an upward review of the country’s allocation, citing growing demand among intending pilgrims.

NAHCON had earlier announced that Saudi Arabia declined Nigeria’s request for additional slots for the 2027 pilgrimage, leaving the country’s existing quota unchanged despite an increase in demand.

The commission said it had formally approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seeking additional slots to accommodate requests from various state pilgrims’ welfare boards.

IHR said Nigeria had until recently maintained one of the largest Hajj contingents globally, with an average allocation of about 95,000 pilgrims. The organisation added that thousands of intending pilgrims were currently on a waiting list in anticipation of additional slots.

The group also appealed to Vice President Kashim Shettima to use diplomatic channels to engage the relevant Saudi authorities and support NAHCON’s request for an increased allocation for Nigeria.

IHR expressed concern that some intending pilgrims on the waiting list might lose the opportunity to perform Hajj if they were unable to participate in the 2027 pilgrimage.

The organisation acknowledged that Nigeria’s Hajj allocation had previously been affected by challenges involving the timely registration and payment of intending pilgrims. However, it said the situation had improved considerably following reforms introduced by NAHCON and greater compliance by stakeholders with the commission’s approved operational calendar.

According to the group, early registration and payment by intending pilgrims have improved, making it easier for Nigeria to utilise its allocated slots within the stipulated timeframe.

IHR also said increased enlightenment among Nigerian pilgrims had improved their understanding of Hajj requirements, expectations and acceptable conduct in Saudi Arabia.

The organisation therefore urged the Saudi authorities to reconsider Nigeria’s request, arguing that the country is now better positioned to effectively utilise additional slots and conduct the pilgrimage in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s operational requirements.