The Federal Government’s request for an increase in its 2027 Hajj allocation has been rejected by Saudi Arabia authorities, leaving Nigeria with an approved quota of 50,000 pilgrims for next year’s pilgrimage.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, which disclosed this in a statement, said Saudi authorities cited capacity limitations and structural constraints at the holy sites.

NAHCON had approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to request additional slots to meet the rising demand from intending Nigerian pilgrims and appeals from state pilgrims’ welfare boards.

NAHCON, however, urged states and tour operators to comply with the September 26 deadline for uploading intending pilgrims’ data, while those unable to secure slots were encouraged to register for the 2028 Hajj.