The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Saleh Usman, has extended the deadline for the 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.
This development was revealed in a statement issued by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, following numerous appeals from intending pilgrims who could not complete their registration before the initial January 31, 2025, deadline.
Prof. Usman made the announcement during a Zoom meeting with key stakeholders on Tuesday night, where he urged Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to ensure prompt remittance of funds.
He stressed that timely payments were essential to secure accommodation for Nigerian pilgrims.
“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,” the statement read.
According to Usara, Saudi authorities set February 14, 2025, as the final date for contract signings, making early fund transfers crucial.
“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,” the statement added.
In the meeting, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, advised pilgrims who could afford the Hajj fare to proceed with their payments while sourcing the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance separately.
He explained that many intending pilgrims were unable to complete their registration due to being short by as little as ₦200,000.
“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.
Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Forum of States, Malam Idris Almakura, reiterated the chairman’s call and encouraged his colleagues to remit available funds without delay.
He emphasized 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, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, warned that delayed payments to the Central Bank of Nigeria could result in contract cancellations, as witnessed last year.
He also advised stakeholders to take advantage of the current favorable foreign exchange rates before potential market fluctuations disrupt the cost structure.
Additionally, Usara revealed that the stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts were finalized.
Among other issues discussed was the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowances via credit cards.
This proposal was met with strong opposition from several participants, who argued that it could create unnecessary hardship for pilgrims.
