The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the extension of the closure of registration for intending Muslim Pilgrims for the 2024 pilgrimage to January 31.
A statement, today, from the Commission said that the extension, which was approved by the Federal Government, came in the wake of pressure mounted by stakeholders, including State Governors, religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions
The statement, signed by the NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, said that the extension would give an additional opportunity for individual Muslim to participate in the pilgrimage.
“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 finalize payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 Hajj.
“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.
“He 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 all Hajj handlers would utilize this opportunity well for success of 2024 Hajj operations.”
