Nigerian intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj exercise yet to complete their registration have been handed a relief as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Tuesday, announced an extension of the deadline for registration to February 10.
The Hajj commission had earlier announced January 31 deadline, which it said was based on deadlines from the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The new deadline, according to NAHCON Assistant Director, Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, was announced by the commission’s Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, during a Zoom meeting between NAHCON and key Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night.
According to Usara, the deadline was extended from January 31 to February 10 following appeals on behalf of intending pilgrims who could not complete their registration on time.
She stated that Usman urged executive secretaries (ES) of state pilgrims’ welfare boards to cooperate with NAHCON to ensure timely transfer of funds, adding that this was crucial for securing accommodations that had 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,” Usara stated.
Speaking during the Zoom meeting, NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, proposed that pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare, excluding the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), should proceed with their payments while sourcing the travel allowance separately.
He noted that some pilgrims fell short by N200,000, preventing them from completing their payments despite reaching the required Hajj fare amount.
Supporting Prof Usman’s call, the Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who doubles as the chairman, Forum of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Malam Idris Almakura, advised his colleagues to remit available funds immediately rather than waiting for the deadline.
He emphasised the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Similarly, the ES, Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, urged his colleagues to promptly remit all payments made by pilgrims into NAHCON’s CBN account.
Yaro, who is also the deputy chairman of Forum of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, cautioned that delays could lead to contract cancellations, as experienced last year.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of the current favourable foreign exchange rates before any market fluctuations disrupt the cost structure.
Usara informed that Hajj stakeholders agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts are finalised.
She further informed that another critical issue discussed was the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s proposal to disburse BTA via credit cards.
According to her, many participants opposed the initiative, citing the potential hardship it could cause for pilgrims, adding that discussions on this matter remain ongoing.
