The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that despite all its efforts, Nigeria could not get additional slots for Hajj 2022 intending pilgrims.
It also said that diplomatic efforts have failed to get a leeway for officials above 65 years to travel to Saudi Arabia to help in the Hajj operation this year.
Saudi authorities had allocated over 43,000 slots to Nigeria this year after a two-year hiatus. NAHCON subsequently distributed the allocation to all the 36 states, FCT, armed forces and private tour operators. The commission however, over allocated to tour operators which led to crisis among the ranks of the tour operators and NAHCON. The commission therefore, requested for additional 5000 slots from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in order to solve the problem.
Spokesperson of NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara on Tuesday issued a statement saying the request has been declined by the Saudis.
