Hajj 2026: NAHCON Explains Quota Cut, Insists Guidelines Unchanged

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has clarified concerns surrounding the fate of some Nigerian intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, stating that there has been no alteration to the guidelines earlier issued by Saudi authorities.

In a statement released on Friday, the Commission’s spokesperson, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, explained that challenges encountered by some states stemmed from late remittances, contrary to the December 2025 deadline set in line with Saudi Arabia’s operational timetable.

NAHCON recalled that Nigeria’s Hajj quota for 2026 was reduced to 50,000 pilgrims, a development that necessitated the withdrawal of earlier allocations granted to states. The Commission subsequently adopted a strict first-come, first-served policy based on confirmed payments.

According to the statement, states that completed their remittances on or before January 2 were allocated camp bookings in accordance with payments received within the stipulated timeline.

“The deadline was not arbitrary but in strict compliance with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj calendar and portal requirements,” the Commission said.

The agency further disclosed that limited additional slots were later secured through internal rebalancing from states that paid in excess of their approved allocations. Kaduna and Niger states were among beneficiaries of the adjustment.

NAHCON, however, maintained that it had consistently warned stakeholders against late registration, stressing that Saudi authorities would enforce deadlines without exception. Although efforts were made to obtain more slots to accommodate affected pilgrims, approval came only after critical Saudi Hajj operational portals had closed, rendering further processing impracticable.

The Commission appealed to intending pilgrims affected by the development to remain calm, assuring them that any fresh updates would be communicated in due course.