The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced an extension of the 2025 Hajj registration deadline to February 10, 2025.
According to a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, the decision followed appeals from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the initial January 31, 2025, deadline.
Announcing the extension during a Zoom meeting with key Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night, Prof. Usman urged Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to ensure the swift transfer of funds.
He emphasized that timely payments were crucial for securing accommodation and other essential arrangements for the pilgrimage.
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.
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 $500 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, has urged his colleagues to remit available funds immediately rather than waiting for the deadline. He emphasized the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, warned that delays in remitting payments to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) could result in contract cancellations, as experienced last year.
He also advised stakeholders to take advantage of the current favorable foreign exchange rates before potential market fluctuations impact costs.
According to NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts are finalized.
Another key issue discussed was the CBN’s proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowances via credit cards, a move many participants opposed due to concerns over the potential hardship it could cause for pilgrims.
