NAHCON extends registration deadline for 2025 Hajj

NAHCON extends registration deadline for 2025 Hajj

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced the extension of the registration deadline for the 2025 Hajj to February 10, 2025.

This decision comes after appeals were made by intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration by the initial deadline of January 31, 2025.

In a statement issued by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, Prof. Usman emphasized the importance of timely fund transfers for securing accommodation.

The statement read, “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,” the statement added.

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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, Malam 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, Alhaji 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.

NAHCON extends registration deadline for 2025 Hajj