2027 Hajj: NAHCON reaffirms September 26 deadline for registration

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reiterated the September 26 deadline for intending pilgrims to complete registration and payment processes for the 2027 Hajj. The reminder was issued to those who have yet to finalize their registration and payment, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the deadline. NAHCON stated that the deadline aligns with timelines set by Saudi authorities for the organization of the 2027 pilgrimage.

The commission highlighted the significance of the deadline due to Saudi Arabia's focus on early data submission and digital processing. NAHCON had previously announced September 26 as the deadline for intending pilgrims to upload biometric data on the Saudi-approved Nusuk-Masar digital platform. Non-compliance could result in the forfeiture of allocated Hajj slots.

State Muslim pilgrims' welfare boards and intending pilgrims were urged to complete the necessary processes ahead of the pilgrimage. In August, NAHCON announced fare allocations for pilgrims from different zones: N7,560,822 for pilgrims from Maiduguri and Yola, N7,672,822 for northern zone pilgrims, and N7,882,822 for southern zone pilgrims.

These fares were approved after consultations with state pilgrims' welfare boards and service providers in Saudi Arabia, considering exchange rates and service costs. NAHCON fixed December 2 as the deadline for states to remit all 2027 Hajj fares, stressing that timely remittances are crucial for data synchronisation and seat allocation.

Preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage began shortly after the completion of the 2026 Hajj, with the Saudi Arabian Hajj Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia expected to be signed in November 2026. Saudi Arabia has proposed transitioning Nigeria's Hajj operations towards a predominantly private tour-operator model, emphasizing the need for a gradual and carefully implemented transition.