There is growing uncertainty over the exact number of pilgrims registered by the Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency for the 2026 Hajj, following disagreement between the agency and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Findings by #Hajj Reporters indicate that Kaduna State registered a total of 2,630 pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj. However, NAHCON has recognised only 1,620 pilgrims, citing late remittance as the basis for its rejection of 1,010 pilgrims.
The confusion reportedly arose after NAHCON declined to approve the total number submitted by the Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency, insisting that the deadline for payment of state Hajj slots had elapsed.
Sources told Hajj Reporters that #NAHCON had earlier given verbal approval for Kaduna State to continue registering pilgrims, amid concerns that the national quota of 40,000 slots booked by Nigeria might not be fully utilised. At the time, the total number of registered pilgrims nationwide was said to be below 15,000.
However, NAHCON later maintained that only 1,620 pilgrims would be accommodated, arguing that Kaduna State had exceeded its allocation.
Further developments emerged when Flynas, a Saudi-based airline, reportedly offered to provide additional slots to cover the excess pilgrims from Kaduna State. The offer, however, was said to be limited to Tent B accommodation, which is significantly more expensive than the Tent D category paid for by most state pilgrims.
According to sources, the Kaduna State Pilgrims Agency relied on NAHCON’s earlier directive that states should continue registering pilgrims beyond their initial allocations during the period when national registration figures were below 15,000.
NAHCON’s decision to cut Kaduna’s numbers was reportedly influenced by the reduction of Nigeria’s Hajj quota by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah from 95,000 to 50,000, which automatically lowered allocations to states.
“The major challenge now is the criteria to be used in reducing the number of pilgrims who have already paid and are hopeful of participating in this year’s Hajj,” a source within the agency lamented.
Unless NAHCON finds a way to accommodate the remaining 1,010 pilgrims, the situation could escalate, as informing hundreds of fully paid pilgrims that they will not participate in the 2026 Hajj may trigger serious backlash.
