FG extends 2024 hajj registration until January 31
The 2024 Hajj registration deadline has been extended by the Federal Government, according to a statement from Mrs. Fatima Usara, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), released in Abuja on Tuesday.
The decision to extend the deadline until January 31st comes in response to concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissions, Governors, and various stakeholders regarding the initial closing date.
In the statement, Usara highlighted the significance of the extension, noting the overwhelming requests for additional time from different religious communities.
The extension aims to ensure accessibility for a broader spectrum of faithful individuals who are eager to embark on the spiritual journey of Hajj.
NAHCON expressed confidence that, with the support of sister agencies, they would determine the total cost of the 2024 Hajj before the new deadline expires.
Usara emphasized that the extended deadline provides an opportunity for new registrants and allows those who need to balance their payments to do so by the end of January.
She also reminded intending pilgrims and stakeholders that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has set February 25th as the deadline for signing all contracts and concluding payments into IBAN accounts.
Despite the extension posing challenges to NAHCON’s preparatory timeline, Usara highlighted Chairman Jalal Arabi’s commitment to accommodating stakeholders’ concerns.
Arabi expressed gratitude to religious leaders, state boards, and governors for their advocacy on behalf of the pilgrims.
He regarded this collaborative effort as a testament to the shared commitment to facilitating a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience for all.
Arabi also extended his prayers for the success of the 2024 Hajj operations, urging all Hajj handlers to make the best use of the extended opportunity.