From Aljawaaz News Desk, Ibadan—
A wave of concern is spreading among intending Nigerian pilgrims following the shocking revelation that Saudi Arabia has drastically cut down Nigeria’s Hajj slots for 2026 to just 66,910, down from the 95,000 that were earlier allocated.
This means that over 28,000 hopeful pilgrims may be left behind — unless registration and payments are completed immediately.
🚨 The Wake-Up Call
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed the development after reconciling data on the Saudi NUSUK Masar platform, which now recognizes only 66,910 spaces for the entire Nigerian delegation. Out of this, 51,513 slots go to State Pilgrims Boards and officials, while 15,397 are reserved for licensed Tour Operators.
According to NAHCON, this shocking reduction came after Nigeria underutilized her Hajj slots during the 2025 exercise, forcing Saudi authorities to trim the allocation based on actual usage.
As things stand, no additional slots can be added unless the available ones are fully paid for and confirmed early.
💬 “If You Delay, You May Be Denied” — NAHCON Warns
A senior NAHCON official who spoke under condition of anonymity warned that many intending pilgrims who are still waiting for last-minute registration may not get space once the reduced slots are filled.
“People think there is still time, but there is none,” the official said.
“Once the Masar portal reaches its limit, no new names can be uploaded. Saudi Arabia will not open extra slots for Nigeria this time.”
The Commission has now directed all State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to set their own internal deadlines ahead of NAHCON’s official cutoff date of December 21, 2025, urging them to collect payments and submit names immediately to secure visas and accommodation early.
💰 Early Payment, Your Only Guarantee
The Aljawaaz News Desk can confirm that NAHCON has also instructed that all deposits be transferred to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as they come in, to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate and lock down Hajj funds.
Pilgrims who delay registration risk missing the available exchange rate, paying more, or worse still — losing their chance to travel at all.
🕋 The Hard Reality
If all the current 66,910 slots are filled by early payers, there will be no room for latecomers, no matter their financial status or connections. Even state officials will not be able to add extra names once the system locks.
This reality has sparked fear among Hajj circles across Nigeria, especially among first-time intending pilgrims, many of whom are still struggling to raise funds or waiting for “last-minute announcements.”
But as it stands, the only announcement that may come later — is that the list is full.
📢 Aljawaaz Urges Intending Pilgrims to Act Fast
Speaking on the development, a travel consultant with Aljawaaz Travels & Tours, one of Nigeria’s licensed Hajj and Umrah companies, advised intending pilgrims to secure their registration and make payments now, saying “this year’s slot is survival of the fastest, not the richest.”
“Those who register now are the ones whose names will appear on the Saudi system,” he explained.
“Even if you bring money later, once the portal closes, no miracle can add your name.”
🕰️ The Message is Clear
With the December 21 deadline already counting down, the message is simple and urgent:
👉 Register early. Pay early. Secure your slot — before it’s gone forever.
📍 From Aljawaaz News Desk
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