The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced an extension of the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration, shifting the cut-off date from January 31, 2025, to February 10, 2025. This decision was made following appeals from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the initial deadline.
A statement released by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, confirmed the extension and emphasized the importance of early payments to facilitate seamless preparations.
During a Zoom meeting with key Hajj stakeholders, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Saleh Usman, urged the Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with the commission by ensuring the timely transfer of funds. He stressed that early remittance is crucial for securing accommodations that have already been inspected and booked. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of adhering to Saudi Arabia’s February 14, 2025, deadline for contract signings, which mandates that all payments be deposited into the designated IBAN account in Saudi Arabia before this date to be recognized on the e-track (Nusuk Masar) registration portal. Given the time required for international transactions, he warned that delays could disrupt the process.
One of the major topics discussed during the meeting was the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowances (BTA) via credit cards instead of cash. This proposal met strong opposition from stakeholders, who argued that such a move could create unnecessary difficulties for pilgrims. However, deliberations on the matter remain ongoing, as NAHCON seeks a balanced resolution that will not inconvenience intending pilgrims.
NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, proposed an alternative payment approach to address shortfalls in funds. He suggested that pilgrims who can afford the total Hajj fare—excluding the $5,000 BTA—should proceed with their payments and source the travel allowance separately. He noted that many intending pilgrims fell short by approximately ₦200,000, preventing them from completing their payments despite having the required amount for the Hajj fare itself.
Echoing this sentiment, the Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Forum of States, Malam Idris Almakura, encouraged his colleagues to remit available funds without waiting for the final deadline. He reiterated the importance of transferring funds before the upcoming physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday to avoid unnecessary complications.
Similarly, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, Executive Secretary of Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, cautioned that delays in remitting payments to the CBN could lead to contract cancellations, as experienced in previous years. He urged stakeholders to take advantage of the currently favorable foreign exchange rates before market fluctuations increase costs.
As part of efforts to enhance coordination and ensure smooth preparations, stakeholders have agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts are finalized.
