The payment deadline for the 2024 pilgrimage has been extended by the Nigerian National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).
The deadline has been rescheduled from December 31, 2023, to January 31, 2024, as stated in a statement released by the commission’s Assistant Director on Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara.
In response to the sincere concerns expressed by state governors, religious leaders, and pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, and commissions, among other stakeholders, Usara said the extension is “in response to an extention, thus providing an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in this sacred pilgrimage.”
See the full statement below:
In response to the heartfelt concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, State Governors and other stakeholders regarding closure of 2024 Hajj registration, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is pleased to announce Federal Government’s approval for an extension of the deadline. The new date is set for January 31, 2024, providing an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in this sacred pilgrimage.
The overwhelming request for extension from various religious communities underscores the significance of ensuring accessibility to a broader spectrum of the faithfuls eager to embark on the spiritual journey of Hajj.
Consequently, NAHCON is confident that before expiration of the new deadline, with the support of its sister agencies, the Commission would have determined the total cost of 2024 Hajj. The extension therefore provides a window for new registrant to do so and by the end of January, those who need to balance up payment would be able to do so as well.
NAHCON seizes this chance to remind intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has slated 25th February as end date for signing all contracts, signaling the end of payments into IBAN accounts. With this extension, NAHCON has barely a month to finalize payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 Hajj.
This extension, even though overstretches NAHCON’s preparatory timeline, reflects the Commission’s Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi’s commitment to accommodating the concerns of stakeholders. He expressed gratitude to religious leaders, state boards, and governors for their advocacy on behalf of the pilgrims. Malam Arabi described this collaborative effort as a testament to the shared commitment to facilitating a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience for all. He prayed all Hajj handlers would utilize this opportunity well for success of 2024 Hajj operations.
