By: Sefiu Ajape
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revealed that 2,717 intending Nigerian pilgrims were unable to obtain visas for the 2025 Hajj due to the closure of the Saudi visa portal.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, NAHCON expressed deep regret over the development.
The Commission added that its attempts to persuade Saudi authorities to reopen the portal were unsuccessful.
“Despite concerted efforts to get the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to consider re-opening of visa portal, even for an hour, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is saddened that this was not achieved.
“Hence the visa suspension affected 2,717 late registration pilgrims from both sides,” the statement said.
He advised intending pilgrims to always plan ahead and consoled those affected.
“In light of the above, NAHCON wishes to console those affected by the visa closure to have faith, knowing that Hajj is an answer to Allah’s call.
“However, it is also advised that all intending pilgrims should always plan for their Hajj ahead of deadlines to avoid disappointments,” the statement read.
NAHCON stated that it had facilitated the extension of visa issuance deadlines four times, adding that the commission had also intervened by securing Masha’ir slots for its Hajj coordinators under both public and private sectors in February.
“From the beginning of Hajj registration to date, NAHCON facilitated extension of deadlines four times; beginning with Hajj fare remittance to visa issuance.
“Yet, despite several warnings signalling the end of visa issuance by April 19, 2025, with its attendant consequences, some intending pilgrims came late with their Hajj payments.
“Out of consideration following numerous requests for the commission to continue accepting Hajj fares, NAHCON formally requested an extension of visa processing, which was graciously approved.
“However, further access to visa issuance was blocked since May 19, 2025,” the commission said.
According to the statement, the one-month extension from April 19 provided relief for state pilgrims’ welfare boards and tour operators still concluding arrangements for their clients.
NAHCON also revealed that at the time of visa blockage, 13,217 visas were granted to tour operator companies, out of 14,158 registered pilgrims, indicating strong participation from the private Hajj sector.
“By the time of visa blockage, 13,217 visas were granted to tour operator companies out of 14,158 registered pilgrims, indicating strong participation from the private Hajj sector.
“Notwithstanding, NAHCON went further within its legal means to accommodate more pilgrims from licensed operators, further boosting the capacity of the operators,” it stated.
The commission raised concerns over reports that some operators were engaging third parties for premium Tent A+ services outside of its sanctioned arrangements.
“NAHCON emphasises that it recognises only Rawaf Mina Company as the sole authorised provider for Tent A+ services during the 2025 Hajj.
“Therefore, NAHCON will not be held responsible for the consequences of any arrangements made outside of this recognised channel,” the statement warned.
