No Extra Hajj Slots for Nigeria, NAHCON Tells Tour Operators
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has ruled out any upward review of Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj allocation, insisting that the 50,000 slots approved for the country remain final.
The Commission made this known during a virtual meeting with licensed tour operators on Tuesday, including members of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria and the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria.
Addressing the operators, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, described the reduction in Hajj slots as a “global reality” affecting all participating countries.
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Abba said despite several pleas by private tour operators for additional allocation, the Saudi authorities had maintained that granting extra slots was no longer feasible.
He said, “This is a global reality. It is not peculiar to Nigeria. The Saudi government has made it clear that additional slots are no longer viable. Our focus must now shift to completing preparations for the 2026 Hajj.”
The NAHCON boss warned that the Commission would henceforth enforce stricter regulatory measures, stressing that sanctions would be applied to operators who fail to meet required operational standards.
“We are going to apply stringent rules moving forward. Operators must comply with all guidelines. There will be sanctions for defaulters,” he added.
On complaints bordering on financial bottlenecks, particularly issues of funds and refunds, Abba directed affected operators to make formal submissions to enable the Commission address them administratively.
Also speaking, NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Anofiu Elegushi, commended the operators for their efforts but cautioned them against delays.
He disclosed that visa issuance would commence within the next three to four days, urging operators to fast-track the medical screening of intending pilgrims.
“The window is closing, and the Saudi portal remains unforgiving to late registrants. Tour operators must speed up the medical screening of their pilgrims immediately,” Elegushi said.
The Commission further emphasised that there would be no extension of timelines from the Saudi authorities, urging stakeholders to treat all deadlines with utmost seriousness.
“The time for appeals has passed; the time for compliance has arrived,” Abba stated.
NAHCON maintained that strict adherence to guidelines and timelines remains crucial to ensuring a hitch-free 2026 Hajj exercise for Nigerian pilgrims.
