The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced the extension of the registration deadline for the 2025 Hajj to February 10, 2025. The decision follows appeals from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration by the original January 31, 2025 deadline.
In a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, the extension was confirmed after a Zoom meeting between NAHCON officials and key Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night. During the meeting, Prof. Usman emphasized the need for State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to cooperate with NAHCON to ensure the timely transfer of funds, which are essential for securing accommodations.
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 further noted, “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 crucial.”
NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, suggested that pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare should proceed with their payments while separately arranging the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA). He noted that some pilgrims were only short by ₦200,000 and could not complete their registration before the deadline.
“The 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 ₦200,000, preventing them from completing their payments despite meeting the required Hajj fare,” the statement said.
Malam Idris Almakura, the Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Forum of States, reiterated Prof. Usman’s message, advising his colleagues to remit available funds immediately rather than waiting for the deadline. He stressed the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Alhaji Faruku Yaro, the Executive Secretary of Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, warned that delays in remitting payments to the Central Bank of Nigeria could result in contract cancellations, as seen in the previous year. He also encouraged stakeholders to take advantage of favorable foreign exchange rates before any fluctuations could affect the cost structure.
Usara also revealed that stakeholders have agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts are finalized.
Additionally, the proposal by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to disburse the Basic Travel Allowance via credit cards was discussed. Many stakeholders opposed the idea, citing potential difficulties it could cause for pilgrims.
