NAHCON Extends Deadline for 2025 Hajj Registration to Feb. 10
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has extended the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.
This is to enable intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration on time to do so.
The NAHCON chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, made this known during a Zoom meeting with key Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night.
Prof. Usman urged Executive Secretaries (ES) of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with NAHCON to ensure timely transfer of the funds.
“This is crucial for securing accommodations that have already been inspected and booked.
“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,” he added.
In his contribution, NAHCON 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.
On his part, 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 emphasised the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Similarly, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, ES 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 favourable foreign exchange rates before market fluctuations disrupt the cost structure.
The Hajj stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts are finalized.
They also discussed CBN’s proposal to disburse BTA via credit card, with many participants opposing the initiative, citing the potential hardship it could cause for pilgrims. However, discussions on the matter is ongoing.
