By Pelumi Adesokan
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated Nigeria’s 50,000 slots for the 2027 Hajj between state pilgrims’ welfare boards and licensed private tour operators, according to the commission and findings by Hajj Reporters.
Under the arrangement, 35,000 slots were allocated to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while the remaining 15,000 slots were assigned to licensed private Hajj tour operators.
An inside sourced said the allocation strictly followed the quota approved for Nigeria by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, as well as applicable domestic regulatory requirements.
The explained that the 15,000 slots allocated to the private sector were reserved for duly licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies and complying with Saudi Hajj guidelines.
It added that the registry of authorised operators remained a matter of public record.
He further clarified that it does not independently determine the number of Hajj slots available to Nigeria, noting that allocations are subject to the approval of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
According to the commission, the operation of the Saudi digital Hajj platform, Nusuk Masar, further requires the relevant approvals before slots can be allocated and processed.
NAHCON therefore urged operators with complaints concerning the allocation process to use designated official channels rather than making what it described as unsubstantiated claims or spreading misinformation.
However, an investigation by Hajj Reporters found that some states have duly registered tour operators licensed by NAHCON to participate in the 2027 Hajj.
The investigation further revealed that tour operators in some of these states are among the beneficiaries of the 15,000 slots allocated to the private sector.
Hajj Reporters also gathered that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah directed tour operators from participating countries to deposit a specified percentage of the total funds corresponding to the number of slots allocated to them before a stipulated deadline.
The requirement is part of the preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage and is intended to ensure that participating operators meet financial and operational obligations within the timelines set by the Saudi authorities.
