Saudi Arabia Cuts Nigeria’s Hajj Slot from 95,000 to 66,910 for 2026
Saudi Arabia Cuts Nigeria’s Hajj Slot from 95,000 to 66,910 for 2026
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has slashed Nigeria’s Hajj quota from 95,000 to 66,910 pilgrims, effective from the 2026 Hajj season, following the country’s repeated underutilization of allocated slots in 2024 and 2025.
According to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the reduction was officially reflected on the NUSUK Masar portal, which now reserves 66,910 Mashair spaces for Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, explained that future allocations to states will now depend on the number of pilgrims each state successfully transported during the 2025 Hajj.
“While 95,000 slots were initially allocated to Nigeria, the actual number that can participate in the 2026 Hajj is 66,910,” Usara said. “Saudi Arabia reduced Nigeria’s camp slots due to underutilization in previous years.”
During a meeting with state officials on Hajj Costing and Other Critical Issues, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, confirmed that earlier allocations will be reviewed in line with each state’s performance.
The Commission’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, urged unity and diligence among stakeholders to ensure successful operations in 2026, stressing the importance of strict medical screening as required by Saudi authorities.
NAHCON also revealed ongoing talks to cut certain cost components, such as cargo handling charges, to reduce the financial burden on intending pilgrims. However, it warned against arbitrary service fee reductions that could compromise quality.
Meanwhile, the NAHCON board member representing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Adetona Sikiru Adedeji, pledged to convey the commission’s request to reduce the 2% CBN charge on pilgrims’ transactions.
States have been directed to submit their number of registered pilgrims to help NAHCON validate its 2026 Hajj projections.
