2026 Hajj Slot Cut: Edo Pilgrims Offered Refunds or Rollover Option
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has directed registered pilgrims affected by the 2026 Hajj slot reduction to either claim refunds or roll over their payments to the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The directive follows a drop in the state’s allocation from 351 to 93 slots, triggered by a broader policy adjustment by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affecting all participating countries, including Nigeria.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) stated that the revised allocation was based strictly on funds received on or before the official Hajj payment deadline of December 5, 2025.
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According to the commission, remittances from Edo State within the stipulated period covered only 82 pilgrims, which formed the basis of the state’s allocation.
Following an appeal by the Edo State Government, NAHCON approved an additional 11 slots, increasing the state’s total allocation to 93. However, the increment has done little to offset the sharp decline.
Findings reveal that as of January 2, 2026, funds remitted on behalf of Edo pilgrims were sufficient to secure only 82 seats.
Late payments made after the deadline further limited the state’s ability to secure additional slots and also disrupted accommodation arrangements in Saudi Arabia.
According to the state’s pilgrims board, the reduction has left over 100 intending pilgrims unable to participate in the 2026 Hajj despite completing their payments.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has since processed refunds for the affected individuals.
Officials emphasized that the reduction is part of a broader international policy adjustment by Saudi authorities and not due to any administrative lapses at the state level.
The directive introduced stricter quotas and compliance timelines for all participating countries.
In a joint statement, Chairman of the board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, and the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, urged affected pilgrims to remain patient and take advantage of the available options.
They assured that those who choose to retain their payments for the 2027 Hajj exercise would be given priority consideration, while the board continues engagement with relevant authorities to improve future allocations.
