Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of Hajj slots allocated to Nigeria for the 2026 pilgrimage season. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed that the quota has been dropped from 95,000 to 66,910 pilgrims.
This cut means that over 25,000 intending pilgrims who hoped to journey in 2026 might be left out. Of the new allocation, 51,513 slots are reserved for the states and government officials, while 15,397 are set aside for licensed tour operators.
NAHCON explained that the reduction is a consequence of Nigeria under-utilizing its allotted slots in past years. Previously, many of the slots given were not taken up, which prompted Saudi authorities to lower this year’s number.
The Commission also said that how many slots each state will get depends on how many pilgrims they managed to send in 2025. States that utilized their slots more fully may retain or even gain, while those who didn’t may lose allocation.
Additionally, stricter medical requirements are now being enforced. Certain medical conditions will disqualify potential pilgrims, and medical screenings will only be valid if conducted in approved hospitals. Forged medical documents will not be tolerated.