Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation, has appealed to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reconsider its decision to reject Nigeria’s request for additional slots for the 2027 Hajj.
The organisation, in a statement on Saturday signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, urged the Saudi authorities to grant the request by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for an upward review of the country’s allocation, citing growing demand from intending pilgrims across the country.
NAHCON had on Thursday announced that Saudi Arabia had declined Nigeria’s request for additional 2027 Hajj slots, leaving the country’s quota unchanged despite increasing demand.
The commission said it had formally approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to secure more slots for Nigerian pilgrims and respond to requests from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards.
IHR said Nigeria until recently had the fifth-largest Hajj contingent, with an average allocation of about 95,000 pilgrims, adding that thousands of intending pilgrims were currently on the waiting list in anticipation of additional slots.
The organisation also appealed to Vice President Kashim Shettima to use diplomatic channels to engage the appropriate Saudi authorities on the matter and support NAHCON’s request for an increased allocation for Nigeria.
It said many of those currently on the waiting list might not have another opportunity to perform Hajj if they were unable to undertake the pilgrimage in 2027. IHR acknowledged that Nigeria’s allocation had previously been affected by the inability of intending pilgrims to register and make payments within stipulated timelines.
According to the group, the situation has, however, improved significantly following reforms by NAHCON and stricter adherence by Hajj stakeholders to the commission’s approved calendar of activities. It added that early registration and payment by intending pilgrims had improved, making it possible for Nigeria to utilise its allocated slots within the required timeframe.
IHR further said increased enlightenment among Nigerian pilgrims had improved their understanding of Hajj requirements, expectations and acceptable conduct in Saudi Arabia. It therefore urged the Saudi authorities to reconsider Nigeria’s request, arguing that the country was now better positioned to utilise additional slots effectively and conduct the pilgrimage in line with Saudi Arabia’s operational requirements.