The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has extended the registration deadline for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to February 10, 2025, following appeals from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration on time. NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, announced the extension during a Zoom meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, attended by key stakeholders in the Hajj sector. He emphasized the urgency of early remittance of payments, noting that Saudi Arabia has set February 14, 2025, as the final deadline for contract signings. To ensure compliance, all payments must be transferred into the designated IBAN account in Saudi Arabia before this date to be acknowledged on the e-track (Nusuk Masar) registration portal.
Prof. Usman urged State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to collaborate with NAHCON to facilitate the timely transfer of funds, which is essential for securing already inspected and reserved accommodations. During the meeting, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, advised that pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare (excluding the $500 Basic Travel Allowance – BTA) should begin their payments while sourcing the travel allowance separately.
Similarly, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, Executive Secretary of Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, urged his colleagues to promptly deposit all payments into NAHCON’s CBN account to avoid contract cancellations, as experienced in the previous year. He also recommended taking advantage of the current favorable exchange rates to prevent potential cost disruptions. With the new February 10 deadline, intending pilgrims are advised to complete their registration and make payments early to ensure a smooth process for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
