Nigeria will send more pilgrims to the 2027 Hajj after Saudi Arabia approved an additional 10,000 slots, increasing the country’s allocation from 50,000 to 60,000.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced the development on Thursday, following high-level diplomatic engagements between Nigerian officials and Saudi authorities.

The commission said Nigeria had earlier requested an increase in its allocation but the request was initially rejected. Further discussions with the Saudi authorities, however, eventually resulted in the approval of the additional slots.

Under the new arrangement, 7,500 of the extra slots will be allocated to state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and commissions.

The remaining 2,500 slots will be made available to seven lead licensed Hajj tour operators, according to NAHCON.

The additional allocation is expected to expand the number of Nigerian Muslims who can undertake the pilgrimage in 2027, while also requiring coordination between NAHCON, state pilgrimage authorities and licensed tour operators.

Nigeria’s overall allocation now stands at 60,000 pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj, marking a 20 per cent increase over the previous 50,000-slot allocation.

NAHCON’s announcement comes as preparations for the next pilgrimage season begin, with arrangements expected to cover pilgrim registration, accommodation, transportation, welfare and other logistical requirements in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.