The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially announced an extension of the registration deadline for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to February 10, 2025. This decision was made to accommodate intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the prior deadline of January 31, 2025.
During a meeting with key Hajj stakeholders, NAHCON Chairman emphasized the need for cooperation among Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to ensure timely fund transfers. These payments are critical for securing accommodations already inspected and booked for the pilgrimage.
It is important to note that Saudi Arabia has set February 14, 2025, as the deadline for contract signings. As a result, all payments must reach the designated IBAN account in Saudi Arabia before this date to be eligible on the e-track registration portal. Given the time needed for international bank transfers, early remittance is advised.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Operations proposed that pilgrims who have the capacity to pay for the Hajj fare—excluding the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance—should move forward with their payments while sourcing the allowance independently. This recommendation comes after recognizing that some pilgrims faced financial shortfalls that hindered their ability to complete their payments.
The Executive Secretary and Chairman of the Forum of States urged colleagues to remit any available funds immediately rather than waiting until the deadline. This proactive step is aimed at avoiding potential issues, including contract cancellations due to delayed payments.
Additionally, stakeholders discussed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s proposal to distribute Basic Travel Allowances via credit cards, with many attendees expressing concerns about the potential difficulties this could create for pilgrims. Ongoing discussions will continue to address this issue. Regular meetings will be scheduled to ensure timely finalization of all necessary contracts.
