The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON) Prof. Saleh Usman, has bowed to pleas by pilgrims across the country, and announced an extension of the deadline for registration for the 2025 Hajj to February 10, 2025.
The decision, according to a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, followed appeals on behalf of intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the earlier given January 31, 2025 deadline.
While announcing the extension during a Zoom meeting between NAHCON and key Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night, the chairman urged Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with the Commission to ensure timely transfer of funds, noting that the payments were crucial for securing accommodation.
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The statement reads:
“The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has announced an extension of the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.”
“It is important to note that Saudi Arabia has 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.”
Meanwhile, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, proposed that pilgrims who could afford the Hajj fare should proceed with the payments while sourcing the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance, noting that some pilgrims only fell short by ₦200,000 before the registration closed.
“The Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, proposed 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,” the statement added.
The Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Forum of States, Idris Almakura, while reiterating the Chairman’s call, advised his colleagues to remit available funds immediately rather than waiting for the deadline, while emphasising the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Similarly, Executive Secretary of Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Faruku Yaro, cautioned that delays in remittance of payments to the Central Bank of Nigeria could lead to contract cancellations, as experienced last year.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of the current favourable foreign exchange rates before any market fluctuations disrupt the cost structure.
Usara also disclosed that stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts were finalised.
According to the statement, another critical issue discussed was the CBN’s proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowances via credit cards, which many participants opposed, citing the potential hardship it could cause for pilgrims.
