The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (HAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced an extension of the deadline for registration for the 2025 Hajj 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 earlier given January 31, 2025 deadline.
While announcing the extension during a Zoom meeting between NAHCON and key Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night, the chairman urged Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with the Commission to ensure timely transfer of funds, noting that the payments were crucial for securing accommodation.
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 $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance, noting that some pilgrims only fell short by ₦200,000 before the registration closed.
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, while emphasising the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
