The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reduced Nigeria’s Hajj allocation, leading to the cancellation of 456 intending pilgrims from Zamfara State for the 2026 exercise.
The Chairman of the Zamfara State Hajj Commission, Musa Mallaha, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau on Wednesday.
Mallaha explained that the state’s quota was reduced from 2,207 to 1,741 pilgrims, making it impossible for 456 applicants to participate this year.
“This affected 456 intending pilgrims from the state who may not be able to participate in this year’s exercise,” he said.
He noted that the state government has concluded plans to commence the airlifting of pilgrims from the Zamfara International Airport as part of arrangements for the exercise.
According to him, each pilgrim will now receive two large bags and one small bag, an improvement on previous arrangements where only one bag was issued.
Mallaha said the initiative is aimed at enhancing the welfare and comfort of pilgrims.
He also announced that an Enlightenment Committee had been set up to educate intending pilgrims on the proper observance of Hajj rites in line with Islamic teachings.
The committee, chaired by Sheikh Ahmad Kanoma, Chairman of the Ulama Consultative Council, has already begun sensitisation visits across the 14 local government areas of the state ahead of the official flag-off.
Mallaha reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, well-organised, and successful 2026 Hajj exercise for all approved pilgrims
