The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reiterated the September 26 deadline for intending pilgrims to complete their payment and registration processes for the 2027 Hajj.
The commission gave the reminder yesterday, urging intending pilgrims who have yet to conclude their registration and payment to do so before the stipulated deadline.
NAHCON said the deadline was consistent with the timelines established by the Saudi authorities for preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage.
The commission said the deadline had become particularly significant following changes in Saudi Arabia’s Hajj arrangements, which now place greater emphasis on early data submission and digital processing.
NAHCON had earlier fixed September 26 as the deadline for intending pilgrims to upload their biometric information on the Saudi-approved Nusuk-Masar digital platform.
It said early compliance was essential for data synchronisation and seat allocation, warning that failure to meet the deadline could result in the forfeiture of allocated Hajj slots.
The commission urged state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards and intending pilgrims to conclude all required processes before the pilgrimage.
NAHCON announced in August that pilgrims from Maiduguri and Yola would pay N7,560,822, while pilgrims from the northern zone would pay N7,672,822. Those from the southern zone are expected to pay N7,882,822.
The commission said the fares were approved following consultations with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and service providers in Saudi Arabia, with prevailing exchange rates and service costs taken into consideration.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has set December 2 as the deadline for states to remit all 2027 Hajj fares.
The commission said the deadline would not be extended, stressing that data synchronisation and seat allocation were dependent on timely remittances by the states.
Preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage commenced shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Hajj.
NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, said in July that preparations had started in accordance with timelines provided by the Saudi authorities.
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 transitioning Nigeria’s Hajj operations towards a predominantly private tour-operator model.
He said the transition could offer some benefits but should be gradual and carefully implemented, taking into consideration Nigeria’s demographic realities, digital infrastructure and the capacity of private operators.
