Many State Pilgrims Risk Missing 2026 Hajj As Saudi Portal Closes

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.

Many Boards subsequently secured funding and made payments accordingly.

Thereafter, Camp bookings were allocated based on remittances completed by 2nd January 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 had repeatedly cautioned against late registration, stressing 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.

The Commission therefore is appealing to pilgrims who paid late to remain calm and patient, assuring them that updates will be communicated to them soon.

PR/ Salihu Tejumola