The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced an extension of the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.
The decision, according to a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, followed appeals on behalf of intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the previous January 31, 2025 deadline.
While announcing the extension during a Zoom meeting with key Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night, the chairman urged Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with the commission to ensure the timely transfer of funds, noting that these payments were crucial for securing accommodation.
Part of the statement read: “The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has announced an extension of the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025.
“Prof. Usman urged Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with NAHCON to ensure timely transfer of funds. This is crucial for securing accommodations that have already been inspected and booked.
“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.”
Meanwhile, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, proposed that pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare—excluding the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance—should proceed with their payments while sourcing the 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 Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, proposed that pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare—excluding the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance—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, while reiterating the chairman’s call, advised his colleagues to remit available funds immediately rather than waiting for the deadline, emphasizing the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Similarly, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, Executive Secretary of Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum cautioned that delays in remitting payments 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 favourable foreign exchange rates before any market fluctuations disrupt the cost structure.
Usara also disclosed that stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts were finalised.
According to the statement, another critical issue discussed was the CBN’s proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowances via credit cards, which many participants opposed, citing the potential hardship it could cause for pilgrims. However, discussions on the issue remain ongoing.
