By Pelumi Adesokan
Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has appealed to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reconsider its decision to reject Nigeria’s request for additional slots for the 2027 Hajj.
The civil society organisation made the appeal in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad.
The group urged the Saudi authorities to reconsider their position and approve additional slots requested by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to accommodate the growing number of Nigerian Muslims seeking to perform the pilgrimage.
NAHCON had earlier disclosed that Saudi Arabia declined Nigeria’s request for an upward review of its 2027 Hajj allocation, leaving the country’s quota unchanged despite increased demand from intending pilgrims.
The commission said it had formally approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for additional slots to meet the demand and accommodate requests from various state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
IHR noted that Nigeria had until recently maintained one of the largest Hajj contingents globally, with an average allocation of about 95,000 pilgrims.
The organisation also appealed to Vice President Kashim Shettima to use diplomatic channels to engage the relevant Saudi authorities in support of NAHCON’s request.
According to IHR, thousands of Nigerian intending pilgrims are currently on the waiting list for the 2027 pilgrimage, with some potentially unable to perform Hajj if they miss the opportunity.
The group acknowledged that Nigeria’s quota had previously been affected by the inability of intending pilgrims to register and make payments within stipulated timelines.
It, however, said the situation had improved following efforts by NAHCON and other Hajj stakeholders to enforce the approved Hajj calendar.
IHR said NAHCON had also undergone operational reforms aimed at ensuring timely registration, payment and utilisation of the country’s allocated slots.
The organisation further attributed the improved preparedness to increased enlightenment of intending pilgrims on Hajj requirements, procedures and expected conduct in Saudi Arabia.
It said the reforms and improved compliance demonstrated Nigeria’s readiness to effectively utilise any additional allocation granted by the Saudi authorities.
IHR therefore urged the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reconsider its decision and grant Nigeria additional slots to meet the growing demand for the 2027 pilgrimage.
