The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed reports alleging the diversion of 5,000 slots allocated for the 2027 Hajj exercise. In a statement, NAHCON described the claims as unfounded allegations driven by commercial interests. The Commission urged stakeholders to seek clarification on issues affecting the Hajj industry and to distinguish between verifiable facts and speculation. NAHCON also questioned the credibility of the sources behind the report, noting that the allegations were attributed largely to unnamed individuals.
NAHCON explained that Nigeria's approved allocation for the 2027 Hajj is 50,000 slots, comprising 35,000 slots for states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 15,000 slots for duly licensed private Hajj tour operators. The 15,000 private-sector slots were allocated to licensed tour operators operating under seven approved lead companies, in line with Nigerian regulatory requirements and the guidelines of the Saudi authorities. The Commission added that the companies participating in the 2027 Hajj and Umrah operations were incorporated and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and other relevant government agencies.
According to NAHCON, the controversy over the allocation appeared to be linked largely to competition among operators for a limited number of Hajj slots. Changes in allocation structures, the emergence of new operators and adjustments to existing arrangements could lead to disagreements among stakeholders. The Commission argued that the allegations of "Hajj slot diversion" were aimed at shifting attention away from the failure of some operators to meet regulatory requirements, timelines and digital upload obligations stipulated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for the 2027 pilgrimage.
NAHCON drew attention to the digital registration requirements for the 2027 Hajj, particularly the Saudi Nusuk-Masar platform. The Saudi authorities had fixed September 26, 2026, as the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims' biometric and registration data on the platform. The Commission stressed that the deadline was set by the Saudi authorities and that NAHCON had no power to extend it. Some operators were advised to focus on registering their clients, uploading biometric information and remitting funds within the stipulated period.
The Commission warned that operators who failed to meet their obligations could face regulatory sanctions, including suspension, revocation of licences and blacklisting from future Hajj operations. NAHCON said it was documenting what it described as deliberate misinformation capable of misleading intending pilgrims and undermining confidence in the Hajj administration process. The Commission also advised intending premium pilgrims who registered through private travel agencies to urgently verify their enrolment status and ensure that their biometric and registration details had been successfully uploaded to the Nusuk platform before the September 26 deadline.
NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, equity and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. The Commission maintained that the integrity of the country's Hajj administration should be assessed based on established facts, compliance with Saudi regulations and measurable outcomes. Until credible evidence was presented showing that rules had been breached, allegations of diversion, manipulation or impropriety remained unsubstantiated.
The Commission urged stakeholders to address any genuine concerns about the allocation process through documentary evidence, relevant regulations and established dispute-resolution mechanisms. NAHCON said it would continue to ensure that the Hajj administration process was transparent and fair to all stakeholders. The Commission's statement aimed to provide clarity on the allocation process and to reassure intending pilgrims of its commitment to their welfare.
Key points
- NAHCON denies diverting 5,000 Hajj slots, says allegations unfounded.
- Nigeria's approved allocation for the 2027 Hajj is 50,000 slots.
- NAHCON warns operators of sanctions for failing to meet obligations.
