By Musa Baba Adamu
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced an extension of deadline within which intending pilgrims must register to perform this year’s Hajj.
The announcement was made by the Chairman of the Commission , Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, in a statement issued by Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara.
The Commission said intending pilgrims now have until February 10 to complete their payments to register for 2025 Hajj exercise .
It said: “This decision follows appeals on behalf of intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration on time. The extension was announced during a Zoom meeting between NAHCON and key Hajj stakeholders on the night of Tuesday, February 4, 2025.”
The Commission urged Executive Secretaries (ES) of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with NAHCON to ensure timely transfer of funds.
“This is crucial for securing accommodations that have already been inspected and booked.”
It revealed that the Saudi Arabia had set February 14, 2025, as the deadline for contract signings.
“This means all payments must reach the designated IBAN account in Saudi Arabia before that date to be recognized on the e-track (Nusuk Masar) registration portal. Given the time required for international transfers, early remittance is essential.”
The statement also quoted the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, as proposing that pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare, excluding the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), should proceed with their payments while sourcing the travel allowance separately.
He noted that some pilgrims fell short by ₦200,000, preventing them from completing their payments despite reaching the required Hajj fare amount.
According to the statement, Malam Idris Almakura, ES of Nasarawa and Chairman of the Forum of States, advised his colleagues to remit available funds immediately rather than waiting for the deadline.
“He emphasized the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for Tuesday.”
Also commenting, the statement said, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, ES of Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, urged his colleagues to promptly remit all payments made by pilgrims into NAHCON’s CBN account.
“He cautioned that delays could lead to contract cancellations, as experienced last year. He also encouraged them to take advantage of the current favorable foreign exchange rates before any market fluctuations disrupt the cost structure.”
It said the Hajj stakeholders were unanimous in their agreement to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts are finalized.
The statement further revealed that the stakeholders meeting discussed the CBN’s proposal to disburse BTA via credit cards.
“Many participants opposed the initiative, citing the potential hardship it could cause for pilgrims. Discussions on this matter remain ongoing.”
