By Samuel Adeola
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has expressed concern over Saudi Arabia’s decision to reduce Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj allocation from 95,000 to 66,910 slots.
NAHCON said the cut, reflected on Saudi Arabia’s NUSUK Masar portal, was imposed as a penalty for Nigeria’s failure to utilise all its 2025 slots, only about 59,000 of 95,000 were used.
Of the new allocation, 51,513 slots will go to states and officials, while 15,397 are reserved for private tour operators.
Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, warned that states that underperformed in 2025 would face further reductions.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, urged unity and early remittance ahead of the December 21 deadline, stressing that “teamwork is key to a successful 2026 Hajj.”
The Commission also said it is negotiating to cut certain cost components amid forex pressures and reiterated Saudi Arabia’s strict medical screening requirements for intending pilgrims.
