Saudi Arabia slashes Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj quota, Zamfara forced to drop 456 pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has reduced the number of pilgrims allowed from Nigeria for the 2026 Hajj, a move that has impacted several states across the country.

In Zamfara State, the cut has compelled the State Hajj Commission to drop 456 intending pilgrims who had already made preparations for the religious journey. Commission Chairman Musa Mallaha explained that the state’s allocation was reduced from 2,207 to 1,741 pilgrims. He noted that this sudden change makes it impossible for all registered pilgrims to participate this year.

The affected individuals may have to wait for future Hajj exercises, though no clear arrangement has been announced for them yet. Despite the setback, Mallaha said preparations are ongoing for those who secured slots. He revealed that airlifting from Zamfara International Airport will begin soon.

To improve pilgrim welfare, each person will now receive two large bags and one small bag for the journey—an upgrade from previous years when only one bag was given. The Commission has also set up an Enlightenment Committee to properly guide pilgrims on performing Hajj rites in line with the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad.

According to Mallaha, the sensitisation exercise has already started across all 14 local government areas of the state to ensure pilgrims are spiritually and physically prepared.

He assured that the Commission remains committed to organising a smooth, well-coordinated, and successful Hajj for all approved pilgrims despite the reduced slots.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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