2026 Hajj: Bauchi Governor Addresses Quota Shortfall, Appeals to Affected Pilgrims
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appealed for understanding from intending pilgrims who completed payments for the 2026 Hajj but were unable to secure travel slots, citing allocation constraints and oversubscription.
The governor made the appeal at the state’s official Hajj farewell ceremony, acknowledging concerns raised by affected applicants and describing the development as a consequence of limited slots allocated to the state.
He explained that qualified and fully paid applicants exceeded Bauchi’s approved quota, resulting in a shortfall that left about 500 to 1000 intending pilgrims off the final manifest despite meeting all requirements.
Mohammed emphasized that the situation was beyond the control of the state government, noting that Hajj quotas are determined by Saudi authorities and distributed across participating countries, with further allocations to states based on national benchmarks.
He assured that the government, in collaboration with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, is working on mitigation measures to address the impact on affected individuals.
These include structured engagement, possible rollovers to subsequent Hajj exercises, and administrative options to safeguard their interests.
The governor urged the affected pilgrims to remain patient and maintain confidence in the system, reiterating the government’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and improved coordination in future exercises.
Meanwhile, Bauchi State has concluded arrangements for the airlift of 2,090 pilgrims who secured confirmed slots for the 2026 Hajj.
Mohammed further called on all pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly, adhere strictly to Saudi regulations, and uphold the image of Bauchi State and Nigeria throughout the exercise.
The 2026 Hajj has witnessed increased demand nationwide, intensifying pressure on available slots and exposing structural challenges in allocation management across states.
