BENIN CITY: Edo State’s allocation for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has dropped sharply from 351 to just 93 slots, following a sweeping reduction in pilgrim quotas by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that has affected all participating countries, including Nigeria.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) explained that the revised allocation was based strictly on funds credited to its account on or before the official Hajj payment deadline of December 5, 2025.
According to NAHCON records, the amount remitted by Edo State before the deadline covered only 82 pilgrims, a figure the commission initially insisted on maintaining in line with the new guidelines.
The development is part of a broader directive issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which oversees global Hajj operations.
Sources confirmed that Nigeria’s initial allocation of 66,000 pilgrims was later reduced to 40,200 slots by Saudi authorities, triggering a ripple effect across all states of the federation.
Following an appeal by the Edo State Government, NAHCON approved an additional 11 slots, raising the state’s final allocation from 82 to 93.
However, the marginal increase has done little to cushion the steep decline.
In Edo, the impact has been particularly severe, with the original allocation of 351 pilgrims drastically reduced, affecting all categories of intending pilgrims.
Investigations revealed that as of January 2, 2026, funds remitted on behalf of Edo pilgrims were only sufficient to secure 82 seats.
The situation was worsened by late payments made after the stipulated deadline, which not only limited the number of slots secured, but also affected accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia.
As a result, more than 100 intending pilgrims who had completed their payments were unable to participate in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
NAHCON has since processed refunds for over 100 affected pilgrims in the state.
Officials stressed that the reduction was due to international policy adjustments by Saudi authorities and not a failure on the part of any state government, noting that stricter quotas and deadlines were uniformly enforced across all countries.
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 opt to retain their funds with the board for the 2027 Hajj exercise would be given priority consideration.
They appealed for understanding, citing the global constraints surrounding this year’s Hajj operations, and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to continued engagement with relevant authorities to improve Edo State’s allocation in future exercises.
