Edo State’s allocation for the 2026 Hajj exercise has dropped significantly from 351 to 93 slots, following a global adjustment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that has impacted all participating countries, including Nigeria.
NAHCON explained that the revised allocation was determined based on the funds credited to NAHCON’s account on or before the Hajj payment deadline of 5th December 2025.
According to their records, the amount credited by Edo State before this deadline covered 82 pilgrims, and they have insisted on working strictly with this figure
The development, which is not peculiar to Edo State, stems from a directive by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah overseeing Hajj operations.
Sources revealed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria confirmed that Nigeria’s initial allocation of 66,000 pilgrims was later reduced to 40,200 slots by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, resulting in a ripple effect across all states of the federation.
Despite the setback, NAHCON only approved an additional 11 slots for Edo State following an appeal by the State Government, bringing the total from the initial 82 to 93 Hajj seats.
However, the increment has done little to offset the sharp decline in the overall allocation.
In Edo State, the situation has been particularly challenging, as the state’s initial allocation of 351 pilgrims was drastically cut to 93. This reduction has affected all categories of intending pilgrims.
Findings indicate that as of January 2, 2026, funds remitted on behalf of Edo pilgrims were only sufficient to secure 82 seats. The situation was further compounded by late payments made after the deadline stipulated by NAHCON, which limited the state’s ability to secure more slots and also affected accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia.
The reduction has left more than 100 intending pilgrims unable to participate in the 2026 Hajj exercise, despite having completed their payments.
Consequently, NAHCON has processed refunds for over 100 affected pilgrims in the state.
Officials emphasized that the reduction is part of a broader international policy adjustment by Saudi authorities and not a failure on the part of any state government. The directive introduced stricter quotas and deadlines, which all countries were required to comply with.
In a statement, the Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, and the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, assured affected pilgrims that those who choose to leave their funds with the board for the 2027 Hajj exercise would be given priority consideration.
They also urged understanding in light of the global constraints surrounding this year’s Hajj operations.
The board added that it would continue to engage relevant authorities to improve the state’s chances in subsequent Hajj exercises.
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