NAHCON extends 2025 Hajj registration, urges swift fund transfers

The 2025 Hajj registration deadline has been extended to February 10, 2025, according to Prof. Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by Fatima Usara, NAHCON's Assistant Director of Information and Publication, the decision was made in response to requests from prospective pilgrims who were unable to finish their registration by the previously specified deadline of January 31, 2025.

The chairman urged Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims' Welfare Boards to work with the Commission to ensure timely transfer of funds, stating that the payments were essential for securing accommodations, while announcing the extension during a Zoom meeting between NAHCON and important Hajj stakeholders on Tuesday night.

"Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has announced an extension of the deadline for 2025 Hajj registration to February 10, 2025," the announcement said.

It's crucial to remember that Saudi Arabia has set the contract signing date of February 14, 2025. To be recognised on the e-track (Nusuk Masar) registration portal, all funds must arrive to the authorised IBAN account in Saudi Arabia prior to that date. Early remittance is crucial given the time needed for overseas transfers, the statement continued.

Noting that some pilgrims barely fell short by ₦200,000 before the registration ended, NAHCON's Commissioner of Operations, Anofiu Elegushi, suggested that travellers who could afford the Hajj fee should proceed with the payments while finding the $5,000 Basic Travel Allowance.

Prince Anofiu Elegushi, the Commissioner of Operations, suggested that pilgrims who are able to pay the Hajj fare—apart from the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA)—should do so while obtaining the travel allowance independently. He pointed out that even though some pilgrims had paid the required amount for Hajj fares, they were unable to finish their payments since they were short by ₦200,000.

Malam Idris Almakura, the Forum of States' Executive Secretary and Chairman, reiterated the Chairman's request and counselled his colleagues to send the available cash right away rather than waiting for the deadline, while emphasising the importance of transferring funds before the physical meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
Similar to what happened last year, Alhaji Faruku Yaro, the Deputy Chairman of the Forum and Executive Secretary of Kebbi State, warned that failure to remit payments to the Central Bank of Nigeria on time may result in contract cancellations.

Additionally, he urged companies to benefit from the beneficial foreign currency rates that are currently in place before any changes in the market upset the cost structure.

Usara further revealed that until all contracts were signed, parties decided to meet regularly via Zoom.

The statement claims that the CBN's plan to distribute Basic Travel Allowances through credit cards was another important topic that was discussed. Many participants objected to this plan, pointing out that it might put pilgrims through hardship.