By Soliu Oyesiji
Edo State’s allocation for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has dropped sharply from 351 to 93 slots, following a reduction in pilgrim quotas by Saudi authorities and delays in payment by intending pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said the revised allocation was based strictly on funds received on or before the December 5, 2025 deadline.
According to the commission, the amount remitted by Edo State before the deadline covered only 82 pilgrims, a figure initially upheld in line with the new guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Sources said Nigeria’s original allocation of 66,000 pilgrims was later cut to 40,200 slots by Saudi Arabia, leading to a reduction across all states.
Following an appeal by the Edo State Government, NAHCON approved an additional 11 slots, raising the state’s final allocation to 93.
However, the increase has done little to offset the significant drop from the initial 351 slots allocated to the state.
Findings showed that as of January 2, 2026, funds remitted on behalf of Edo pilgrims were only sufficient to secure 82 seats, while late payments after the deadline further limited the number of available slots.
The situation also affected accommodation arrangements, leaving over 100 intending pilgrims unable to participate in the 2026 Hajj exercise despite completing payments.
NAHCON has since processed refunds for the affected pilgrims.
Officials said the development was due to international policy adjustments and not a failure by any state government, noting that the stricter quotas and deadlines were applied globally.
In a statement, chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musa Uduimoh, and the executive secretary, Eranga Muhammadkabir, assured affected pilgrims that those who retain their funds for the 2027 Hajj would be given priority.
They appealed for understanding and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to improving the state’s allocation in future Hajj exercises.
