In response to appeals from clerics, governors, state pilgrims’ welfare boards/agencies/commissions and other stakeholders, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has extended the ongoing 2024 hajj registration by one month.
This was contained in a press statement signed and made available to media houses in Abuja, yesterday, by the commission’s assistant director of public affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara.
The commission said the new deadline is set for January 31, 2024, instead of earlier announced December 31, 2023, expressing confidence that before expiration of the new date, with the support of its sister agencies, it would have determined the total cost of 2024 Hajj.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is pleased to announce the federal government’s approval for an extension of the deadline. The new date is set for January 31, 2024, providing an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in this sacred pilgrimage.
“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 the 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,” the commission said.
The Hajj commission however reminded all intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has slated 25th February as the end date for signing all contracts, signaling the end of payments into IBAN accounts.
“With this extension, NAHCON has barely a month to finalize payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 Hajj,” the statement added.
