The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has extended the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.
The extension, announced by NAHCON Chairman Prof. Saleh Usman, comes as many pilgrims struggled to meet the initial January 31 deadline.
The decision was made during a virtual meeting with key stakeholders, where Prof. Usman urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards to expedite the remittance of funds to ensure smooth preparations.
With Saudi authorities setting February 14 as the final date for contract signings, Prof. Usman stressed the importance of timely payments.
Funds must be transferred to the designated IBAN account in Saudi Arabia before that date to secure accommodation and other logistics for Nigerian pilgrims.
“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,” said NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information, Fatima Usara.
During the meeting, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, advised that pilgrims who could afford the Hajj fare, but lacked the required $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), should proceed with their payments while sourcing the allowance separately.
He noted that some intending pilgrims were unable to complete their registration due to being short by as little as ₦200,000.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of Kebbi State Pilgrims’ Board, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, warned that delays in remitting funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria could lead to contract cancellations, as experienced last year. He also encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of the current favorable exchange rates before possible fluctuations.
Among other key discussions, stakeholders strongly opposed the CBN’s proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowance via credit cards, arguing that it could create unnecessary hardships for pilgrims.
In a bid to ensure better coordination, NAHCON and stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts and payments are finalized.
