Prof. Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has announced an extension of the 2025 Hajj registration deadline to February 10, 2025.
This extension follows requests from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration by the original January 31, 2025 deadline, as indicated in a statement signed by Fatima Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication.
During a Zoom meeting with key Hajj stakeholders, the Chairman emphasized the need for cooperation from Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to ensure the prompt transfer of funds, highlighting that timely payments were essential for securing accommodations.
The statement noted: “Prof. Usman called on Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to work closely with NAHCON to ensure timely fund transfers, crucial for securing accommodation that has already been inspected and booked.
It is also important to note that Saudi Arabia’s contract signing deadline is February 14, 2025. Therefore, all payments must reach the designated IBAN account in Saudi Arabia before this date to be recognized on the e-track (Nusuk Masar) registration portal. Given the time required for international transfers, early remittance is critical.”
In the meantime, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, suggested that pilgrims who can afford the Hajj fare—excluding the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance—proceed with their payments and arrange for the allowance separately.
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He pointed out that some pilgrims were short by ₦200,000, which prevented them from completing their payments despite having enough for the required Hajj fare.
The statement also quoted the Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Forum of States, Malam Idris Almakura, who reiterated the Chairman’s call and advised his colleagues to remit available funds promptly, rather than waiting until the deadline.
He emphasized the importance of making transfers 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 result in contract cancellations, as experienced last year.
He also urged stakeholders to take advantage of favorable foreign exchange rates before market fluctuations affect the cost structure.
Usara also announced that stakeholders had agreed to hold regular Zoom meetings until all contracts were finalized.
One key topic of discussion was the CBN’s proposal to disburse Basic Travel Allowances via credit cards, a plan opposed by many participants due to concerns it might cause hardship for pilgrims. Discussions on this matter are ongoing.
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