The Federal Government has approved an extension of the deadline for the 2024 hajj registration by the intending pilgrims.

The Assistant Director, Public Affairs, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Fatima Usara, made this known in a statement on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Usara said the extension was in response to the concerns raised by religious clerics, state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies, commissions, governors, and other stakeholders on the closure of the 2024 hajj registration.

She stated: “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, providing an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in this sacred pilgrimage.

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“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.”

Usara said NAHCON was confident that before expiration of the new deadline, with the support of its sister agencies, the commission would have determined the total cost of the 2024 hajj.

She added: “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 February 25 as end date for signing all contracts, signaling the end of payments into IBAN accounts.

“With this extension, NAHCON has barely a month to finalise payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 hajj.”

She said the extension, even though overstretched NAHCON’s preparatory timeline, reflects the commission’s chairman, Jalal Arabi’s commitment to accommodating the concerns of stakeholders.

Usara quoted Arabi as expressing gratitude to religious leaders, state boards, and governors for their advocacy on behalf of the pilgrims.

He described the collaborative effort as a testament to the shared commitment to facilitating a meaningful and inclusive hajj experience for all intending pilgrims.

The Star