The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the Federal Government’s approval for an extension of the deadline for Hajj registration for 2024.
The new date is set for January 31, 2024 to provide an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in this year’s pilgrimage.
In a press statement, NAHCON’s Assistant Director in charge of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, explained that the decision was taken in response to the “heartfelt concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, State Governors and other stakeholders regarding closure of 2024 Hajj registration.”
She added: “The overwhelming request for extension from various religious communities underscores the significance of ensuring accessibility to a broader spectrum of the faithful eager to embark on the spiritual journey of Hajj.
“Consequently, NAHCON is confident that before expiration of the new deadline, with the support of its sister agencies, the Commission would have determined the total cost of 2024 Hajj.
“The extension therefore provides a window for new registrants to do so and by the end of January, those who need to balance up payment would be able to do so as well.
“NAHCON seizes this chance to remind intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has slated 25th February as end date for signing all contracts, signaling the end of payments into IBAN accounts.
“With this extension, NAHCON has barely a month to finalise payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 Hajj.”
Usara noted that this extension, even though overstretches NAHCON’s preparatory timeline, reflects the Commission’s Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi’s commitment to accommodating the concerns of stakeholders.
She said the NAHCON boss expressed gratitude to religious leaders, state boards, and governors for their advocacy on behalf of the pilgrims.
Malam Arabi described this collaborative effort as a testament to the shared commitment to facilitating a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience for all.
He prayed that all Hajj handlers would utilise this opportunity well for the success of the 2024 Hajj operations.
