The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has extended the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.
The announcement was made by NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Saleh Usman, following appeals from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the initial deadline of January 31, 2025.
According to a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, the decision was reached during a Zoom meeting between NAHCON and key Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night.
During the meeting, Prof. Usman urged Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to ensure timely fund transfers, stressing that payments are essential for securing accommodation.
The statement further emphasized the urgency of remitting payments, as Saudi Arabia has set February 14, 2025, as the deadline for contract signings. Payments must be deposited in 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 transactions, early remittance is crucial.
NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, suggested that pilgrims who could afford the Hajj fare proceed with payments while sourcing the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance separately. He noted that some intending pilgrims were only ₦200,000 short of the required amount before the initial deadline.
Similarly, Malam Idris Almakura, Chairman of the Forum of States Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, advised his colleagues to remit available funds immediately rather than waiting until the deadline. He emphasized the importance of making transfers before the scheduled physical meeting next Tuesday.
In the same vein, the Deputy Chairman of the Forum and Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, warned that delays in remitting funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could result in contract cancellations, as witnessed in the previous year. He also urged stakeholders to take advantage of the current favorable exchange rates before any fluctuations affect costs.
Additionally, stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts are finalized.
Another key issue discussed during the meeting was the CBN’s proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowances via credit cards. Many participants opposed the plan, citing concerns over the potential difficulties it could pose for pilgrims.
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