Saudi Arabia reduces Nigeria’s Hajj quota

Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of pilgrims Nigeria can send for the 2026 Hajj exercise, affecting several states across the country.

In Zamfara State, the reduction has forced the State Hajj Commission to drop 456 intending pilgrims who had earlier prepared to take part in the religious journey.

The Chairman of the Commission, Musa Mallaha, explained that the state’s allocation was cut from 2,207 pilgrims to 1,741. According to him, this sudden change has made it impossible for all registered pilgrims to participate this year.

He noted that the affected individuals may have to wait for future Hajj exercises, although no clear arrangement has been announced yet for them.

Despite the setback, Mallaha said preparations are ongoing for those who were successfully allocated slots. He revealed that the airlifting of pilgrims from Zamfara International Airport will begin soon.

As part of efforts to improve the welfare of pilgrims, each person will be given two large bags and one small bag for their journey. He said this is an improvement compared to previous years when pilgrims received only one bag.

The Commission has also set up an Enlightenment Committee to properly guide pilgrims on how to perform Hajj rites in line with the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad.

According to him, the sensitisation exercise has already started and is being carried out across all 14 local government areas of the state to ensure that pilgrims are well prepared spiritually and physically.

Mallaha assured that the Commission remains committed to organising a smooth, well-coordinated, and successful Hajj exercise for all approved pilgrims despite the reduction in slots.