The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has closed the data-capturing window for the 2026 Hajj exercise, prompting Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to seek an extension to enable the completion of pending pilgrim registrations, the commission said.
In a statement issued on behalf of NAHCON, the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had officially ended the data submission process for the 2026 Hajj season on the Nusuk Masar platform.
She said NAHCON has formally appealed to the Saudi authorities to grant an extension that would allow Nigerian Hajj stakeholders to complete the upload of intending pilgrims who are yet to be captured on the platform.
According to the statement, the commission expressed optimism that the request would receive favourable consideration and assured intending pilgrims that updates would be communicated promptly once further information is received from Saudi authorities.
NAHCON also warned members of the public against making any payments for the 2026 Hajj, stressing that payment for the exercise has been officially closed.
“All intending pilgrims are strongly advised to refrain from paying Hajj fares to any individual, group, or agency,” the statement said, urging the public to rely solely on NAHCON’s verified communication channels for updates.
The commission said it appreciates the patience and cooperation of stakeholders as it continues to engage with Saudi authorities to ensure a smooth and orderly Hajj process for Nigerian pilgrims.
