Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a Civil Society Organization, has urged the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reconsider its decision to decline Nigeria's request for additional slots for the 2027 Hajj. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, IHR expressed concern that the current quota allocated to Nigeria may not be sufficient to accommodate the growing number of intending pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia declined Nigeria's request for an upward review of its 2027 Hajj allocation, leaving the country's quota unchanged. NAHCON had formally contacted the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to secure additional pilgrimage slots to accommodate the growing demand from Nigerian Muslims. Until recently, Nigeria had the fifth-largest Hajj contingent, with an average allocation of about 95,000 slots.
IHR also appealed to Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima to use diplomatic channels to engage the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and support NAHCON's request for additional slots for Nigeria. The CSO noted that thousands of Nigerian intending pilgrims are currently on the waiting list, anticipating additional slots. Many of those on the waiting list may not have another opportunity to perform Hajj if they miss the 2027 pilgrimage.
According to IHR, one of the reasons for the reduction in Nigeria's quota was the inability of intending pilgrims to register on time, leading to underutilization of allocated slots. However, the CSO noted that due to the Ministry's firm stance and the rededication of all Hajj stakeholders in Nigeria, the issue of early pilgrim registration and payments has greatly improved.
IHR acknowledged that NAHCON has undergone structural and operational reforms, resulting in the timely utilization of 2027 Hajj slots. The CSO also noted that improved enlightenment among Nigerian pilgrims has helped them understand the requirements and expectations of Hajj, enabling them to behave responsibly and maintain sanity during the pilgrimage.
The CSO expressed understanding of the operational challenges faced in previous years due to poor adherence to critical Hajj calendar dates. However, with the reforms implemented by NAHCON, IHR believes that Nigeria is now better positioned to utilize its allocated slots effectively.
IHR's appeal to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Vice-President of Nigeria highlights the need for additional Hajj slots to accommodate the growing demand from Nigerian Muslims. The CSO's efforts aim to ensure that intending pilgrims have the opportunity to perform Hajj and that Nigeria's Hajj contingent is adequately represented.
Key points
- Independent Hajj Reporters appeals to Saudi Arabia for additional Hajj slots for Nigeria.
- Nigeria's current Hajj quota may not be sufficient to accommodate growing demand from intending pilgrims.
- NAHCON had formally requested additional slots from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
