2027 Hajj: Gombe Reacts as Saudi Rejects Extra Slots
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has moved to address payments made by intending pilgrims after the September 10 deadline, following Saudi Arabia’s rejection of Nigeria’s request for additional slots for the 2027 Hajj.
The development comes after the Board remitted N9.5 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for 1,417 intending pilgrims, exceeding Gombe’s initial allocation of 987 seats by 430.
The additional 430 pilgrims were accommodated in anticipation of Nigeria securing extra slots from the Saudi authorities.
However, Saudi Arabia has now confirmed to NAHCON that no additional Hajj slots will be granted to Nigeria for the 2027 pilgrimage season, prompting the Gombe Board to issue an urgent public announcement to affected pilgrims.
In the announcement issued by the its Executive Secretary, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, the Board directed intending pilgrims who made payments after September 10 in anticipation of additional slots to immediately contact their respective payment points for guidance and necessary action.
2027 Hajj: Gombe Reacts as Saudi Rejects Extra Slots
Affected pilgrims were advised to approach their Local Government Hajj Officers, Board A and Board B officers, or visit the Board’s headquarters in Gombe metropolis.
The Board did not specify in the announcement the number of pilgrims affected or the precise arrangements for their payments, but urged them to seek clarification through the designated channels.
Meanwhile, the Board reiterated that September 26, 2026 remains the deadline for uploading pilgrims’ data, stressing that there would be no extension under any circumstances.
The Board urged all intending pilgrims and officials handling registration to ensure that their required data are uploaded before the deadline.
The development underscores the pressure on states to align pilgrim registration and payments with Saudi Arabia’s increasingly tight Hajj planning timelines.
