Thousands of Nigerian pilgrims may miss the 2026 Hajj after Saudi Arabia’s registration portal closed, leaving many unable to submit their data despite Nigeria securing an increased quota.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said in a statement on Friday that the delay followed the approval of additional Hajj slots after the Saudi portal had already closed.
NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Usara, explained that the timing of the approval caused the setback.
Saudi Arabian authorities had earlier reduced Nigeria’s Hajj quota from 95,000 to 50,000 pilgrims, but diplomatic efforts by Nigerian authorities led to an increase in allocated slots.
NAHCON said the extra allocation was granted close to the deadline for data submission, making registration difficult for some intending pilgrims.
Usara said, “You may wish to recall that following the reduction of Nigeria’s Hajj quota to 50,000, NAHCON convened a meeting with State officials and formally cancelled earlier allocations, adopting a first-come, first-served policy based on confirmed remittances.”
She added, “Many Boards subsequently secured funding and made payments accordingly. Thereafter, Camp bookings were allocated based on remittances completed by January 2, which was the deadline. However few states including Kaduna and Niger states received limited additional allocations later which was made possible through internal spooling from some states that paid excess.”
The commission said it had repeatedly cautioned states and pilgrims against late registration, noting that Saudi authorities would strictly enforce deadlines.
“Although NAHCON sought additional slots later, approval for the additional slots was received after Saudi’s key operational portals had closed,” Usara said.
She appealed, “The commission appeals to pilgrims who paid late to remain calm and patient, assuring them that updates will be communicated as necessary.”
NAHCON urged affected pilgrims to await further communication as it continues efforts to resolve the situation.
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