.. Commission Says Nigeria’s 50,000 Slots Comprise 35,000 For States, FCT, 15,000 For Licensed Private Operators
Daud Olatunji
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has dismissed allegations that 5,000 slots approved for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage were diverted, describing the claim as unsubstantiated and urging stakeholders to rely on verifiable records rather than speculation.
NAHCON, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the controversy appeared to have arisen from competition among private Hajj operators over the allocation of a limited number of pilgrimage slots.
The Commission challenged those making the allegations to produce documentary evidence showing that the disputed slots were allocated in breach of Nigerian regulations or requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
It also questioned the identities of the individuals behind the allegations, noting that the claims were attributed largely to unnamed “Concerned Private Travel Operators”.
According to the Commission, the lack of disclosed identities made it difficult to establish whether those behind the allegations were licensed operators, unsuccessful applicants, competing businesses or stakeholders affected by changes in the allocation framework.
NAHCON said, “Despite the sensational nature of the allegations, no evidence whatsoever has been presented to establish that any illegality occurred.”
The Commission 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 and 15,000 slots for duly licensed private Hajj tour operators.
It said the 15,000 private-sector slots were allocated to licensed operators working under seven approved lead companies, in accordance with Nigerian regulatory requirements and Saudi guidelines.
NAHCON added that the companies participating in the 2027 Hajj and Umrah operations were incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission and other relevant government agencies and had undergone the necessary regulatory processes.
The operators, it said, had also obtained NAHCON licences to conduct Hajj and Umrah operations for the 2027 season.
The Commission stressed that the licensed operators remained subject to the same regulatory requirements, sanctions and disciplinary measures applicable to other operators in the sector.
NAHCON said adjustments to allocation arrangements, the entry of new operators and competition for limited slots could naturally generate disagreements among industry players.
Beyond the controversy over allocation, the Commission drew attention to the September 26, 2026 deadline fixed by Saudi authorities for uploading prospective pilgrims’ biometric and registration details on the Nusuk-Masar platform.
It said the deadline was imposed by the Saudi authorities and could not be extended by NAHCON.
The Commission therefore advised operators to prioritise the registration of their clients, biometric uploads and remittance of required funds before the portal closes.
It warned that operators who fail to upload their clients’ details or fulfil their contractual obligations within the stipulated period would be responsible for the consequences.
NAHCON said defaulting operators could face regulatory measures, including suspension or revocation of licences and possible blacklisting from future Hajj operations.
Pilgrims told to verify registration
The Commission also urged intending premium pilgrims who registered through private travel agencies to urgently confirm their enrolment status.
It advised pilgrims to ensure that their biometric and registration information had been successfully uploaded to the Saudi platform before the September 26 deadline.
NAHCON said genuine complaints concerning slot allocation should be presented through documentary evidence, applicable regulations and established dispute-resolution channels.
It maintained that claims of diversion, manipulation or impropriety would remain unsubstantiated unless credible evidence was presented to demonstrate a breach of the governing rules.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and equity in the administration of the Hajj, saying the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remained central to its regulatory responsibilities.
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