The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has again reminded intending pilgrims of the September 26 deadline for completing payment and registration processes for the 2027 Hajj.
The commission issued the reminder yesterday, urging intending pilgrims who are yet to complete their registration and payment to do so before the deadline.
NAHCON said the deadline was in line with the timelines set by the Saudi authorities for the organisation of the 2027 pilgrimage.
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The commission said the deadline was particularly important due to changes in Saudi Arabia's Hajj preparations, with greater emphasis on early data submission and digital processing.
NAHCON had earlier announced September 26 as the deadline for intending pilgrims to upload their biometric data on the Saudi-approved Nusuk-Masar digital platform.
It said timely compliance was necessary for data synchronisation and seat allocation, warning that failure to meet the deadline could lead to forfeiture of allocated Hajj slots.
The commission urged state Muslim pilgrims' welfare boards and intending pilgrims to complete the necessary processes ahead of the pilgrimage.
NAHCON announced in August that pilgrims from Maiduguri and Yola would pay N7,560,822, while those from the northern zone would pay N7,672,822. Pilgrims from the southern zone are to pay N7,882,822.
The commission said the fares were approved after consultations with state pilgrims' welfare boards and service providers in Saudi Arabia, taking into account prevailing exchange rates and service costs.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has fixed December 2 as the deadline for states to remit all 2027 Hajj fares.
The commission said no extension would be granted, stressing that data synchronisation and seat allocation depended on timely remittances by the states.
Preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage began shortly after the completion of the 2026 Hajj.
NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, said in July that preparations had commenced in line with Saudi Arabia's timelines.
He disclosed that Nigeria had been allocated about 50,000 slots and that the annual Hajj Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia was expected to be signed in November 2026.
The chairman also said Saudi Arabia had proposed moving Nigeria's Hajj operations towards a predominantly private tour-operator model.
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He said the transition could have benefits but should be gradual and carefully implemented, taking into account Nigeria's demographic realities, digital infrastructure and the capacity of private operators.
