The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced on Monday that the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially closed the data-capturing window for the 2026 Hajj season.
NAHCON Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Usara, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
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The deadline was 8 February.
The commission said the Saudi authorities have shut the data upload portal on the Nusuk Masar platform, ending the registration process for the 2026 Hajj season.
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It, however, said it has formally appealed to the Saudis for an extension of the deadline to enable Nigerian Hajj stakeholders to complete data capture of intending pilgrims whose details have yet to be uploaded to the platform.
“The commission remains hopeful that the request will receive favourable consideration and assures the public that timely updates will be provided as soon as further communication is received,” the statement said.
NAHCON said it appreciated the patience, understanding, and cooperation of all stakeholders, noting that it will continue to work closely with Saudi authorities to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated Hajj exercise for Nigerian pilgrims.
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The commission assured that it would sustain engagement with relevant stakeholders and keep the public informed as efforts to resolve the matter progress.
Warning
Meanwhile, NAHCON has cautioned intending pilgrims against paying Hajj fares to any individual, group, or agency, stressing that the payment process for the 2026 Hajj has been officially closed.
The commission urged members of the public to rely only on its verified communication channels for accurate information and updates.
Intending pilgrims speak
Reacting to the portal closure, some Nigerians who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES commended NAHCON for appealing to Saudi authorities for an extension to accommodate intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the 8 February deadline.
Those who spoke said the registration officially ended at midnight on Sunday, leaving some stranded after failing to complete their data capture on the Nusuk Masar platform due to technical delays and late documentation.
Sadiq Abdullahi, who spoke on the phone from Kano, said that although his registration was successful, the closure could negatively affect many applicants who had already made significant preparations.
“Most of us had completed our payments and medical screening, while some had even submitted their passports to state Hajj boards. It will be unfair if they are denied the chance to perform Hajj because of issues beyond their control,” he said.
READ ALSO: NAHCON chair reaffirms commission’s commitment to timely, orderly preparations for 2026 Hajj
Similarly, Zainab Musa, an intending pilgrim from Kaduna State, described the situation as distressing.
“Once the portal is closed, everything stops. That is exactly what happened. NAHCON should urgently intervene and secure an extension so that people will not lose this rare opportunity,” she said.
Another intending pilgrim, Khalifa Lawal from Ilorin, said granting an extension would help restore confidence in the Hajj registration system.
“This is a spiritual journey, not a commercial race. An extension will show that the authorities are considerate and responsive to the realities on the ground,” he said.
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