Hajj 2026: Wait for updates, NACHON tells intending pilgrims who paid late

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that many intending pilgrims will miss the 2026 hajj exercise.

In a statement, NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, said this was due to closure of Saudi Arabia’s hajj portal after hajj slots were increased to Nigeria.

Recall that Saudi Arabia reduced Nigeria’s hajj slots from 95,000 to 50,000 but diplomatic efforts were made to increase it.

The increase was granted but came close to the period Saudi Arabia closed the portal for pilgrims’ data registration.

In the statement, Usara said, “You may wish to recall that following the reduction of Nigeria’s Hajj quota to 50,000, NAHCON convened a meeting with State officials and formally cancelled earlier allocations, adopting a first-come, first-served policy based on confirmed remittances.”

“Many Boards subsequently secured funding and made payments accordingly. Thereafter, Camp bookings were allocated based on remittances completed by 2nd January which was the deadline. However few states including Kaduna and Niger states received limited additional allocations later which was made possible through internal spooling from some states that paid excess.”

She added that the commission had repeatedly cautioned against late registration, stressing that Saudi authorities would strictly enforce deadlines.

“Although NAHCON sought additional slots later, approval for the additional slots was received after Saudi’s key operational portals had closed. The commission appeals to pilgrims who paid late to remain calm and patient, assuring them that updates will be communicated as necessary.”

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