* 931,500 pilgrims enter Kingdom at start of 1448 AH Umrah season
* NAHCON sets ₦4m initial deposit and September 26 deadline
Saudi Arabia has recorded a sharp increase in the number of international Umrah pilgrims at the start of the 1448 AH Umrah season, while Nigeria has officially commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj with several State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards already collecting initial deposits from intending pilgrims.
The parallel developments reflect growing momentum in pilgrimage activities, with Saudi Arabia expanding its capacity to receive worshippers and Nigerian authorities beginning arrangements early to ensure a smooth and well coordinated Hajj operation.
Umrah arrivals rise by 22.5 per cent
Figures released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program showed that 931,500 pilgrims entered the Kingdom on Umrah visas between 15 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH and the end of Muharram 1448 AH. The figure represents a 22.5 per cent increase over the same period last year.
The ministry also disclosed that more than 1.27 million pilgrims and visitors arrived in Saudi Arabia from abroad during the period, indicating sustained growth in the Kingdom’s pilgrimage sector under the Vision 2030 transformation agenda.
Saudi authorities attributed the increase to continuous improvements in digital platforms, operational efficiency and closer coordination among government agencies responsible for serving pilgrims.
According to the ministry, the reforms are designed to provide a seamless experience for pilgrims from the moment they begin planning their journey until they leave the Kingdom.
The ministry said 75 per cent of overseas Umrah pilgrims arrived through airports, while the remaining 25 per cent entered Saudi Arabia through land and sea ports.
Pakistan recorded the highest number of Umrah pilgrims with about 200,000 visitors, followed by Indonesia with 170,000 and Iraq with approximately 130,000 pilgrims.
The latest figures reinforce Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing the capacity of the Two Holy Mosques and improving services for millions of Muslims who visit Makkah and Madinah every year.
Nigeria begins Hajj registration
As Saudi Arabia welcomes increasing numbers of Umrah pilgrims, preparations for the next Hajj have gathered pace in Nigeria.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has directed all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, as well as licensed Private Tour Operators, to commence preparations for the 1448 AH or 2027 Hajj.
The directive was contained in a circular dated June 15, 2026, titled “Commencement of Preparations for 1448 AH and 2027 Hajj Season.” The Commission instructed all stakeholders to begin implementation of the guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to ensure timely planning for the pilgrimage.
Following the directive, several State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards have already begun collecting initial deposits from intending pilgrims.
₦4 million initial deposit
NAHCON fixed the initial deposit for the 2027 Hajj at a minimum of ₦4 million, explaining that the final Hajj fare would be determined after consultations with stakeholders and the conclusion of negotiations with service providers in Saudi Arabia.
The Commission also fixed September 26, 2026, as the deadline for the collection of initial deposits by all State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and licensed Private Tour Operators to facilitate early planning and contractual arrangements.
It advised intending pilgrims to make payments only through their respective State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies or Commissions, or through licensed Private Tour Operators where applicable. Pilgrims were also urged to obtain official receipts for every payment made.
Focus on early planning
According to NAHCON, the early commencement of registration will allow sufficient time to conclude arrangements for accommodation, transportation, feeding, healthcare and other essential services before the pilgrimage.
The Commission said early payments by intending pilgrims would also improve coordination with Saudi authorities and enable service providers to make adequate preparations well ahead of the Hajj season.
NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, licensed Tour Operators and other stakeholders to deliver a seamless, efficient and successful 2027 Hajj exercise. It also urged states that are yet to commence the collection of deposits to do so without delay.
Positive outlook for pilgrims
The increase in Umrah arrivals and Nigeria’s early commencement of Hajj registration highlight the growing emphasis on better pilgrimage management by both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.
For intending Nigerian pilgrims, the developments signal improved planning, stronger coordination between both countries and the prospect of enhanced services during the 2027 Hajj, while the steady rise in Umrah arrivals demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s continuing investment in making the pilgrimage experience more accessible, efficient and spiritually fulfilling for Muslims around the world.
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