The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has granted Nigeria a seven-day extension to complete the capturing and grouping of pilgrims’ data for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
It comes amid leadership changes at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) following Monday’s resignation of its chairman, Abdullahi Usman.
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PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Kingdom had earlier closed the Nusuk Masar data-capturing platform, effectively ending the global window for submitting pilgrims’ information for the 2026 Hajj.
The deadline for the exercise was 8 February.
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NAHCON Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Usara, initially disclosed the closure in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.
However, in a follow-up statement released on Tuesday, Mrs Usara announced that Saudi authorities had approved a special extension exclusively for Nigeria.
According to her, the intervention was secured following high-level diplomatic engagement by the federal government.
“On the instruction of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tugga, had reached out to Saudi authorities to grant a special extension to Nigeria to allow for the pilgrims’ data capturing to be completed. The Saudi authorities have graciously accepted the request for the extension.
” However, it is expected that after the expiration of this extension, the Saudi authorities will not accept any further requests for extension, emphasising speedy completion of the process.
” Hajj managers are therefore advised to work around the clock in ensuring that the process is completed within the shortest possible time.
“This extension is coming barely 48 hours after the worldwide closure of the Nusuk Masar data-capturing platform. The content of the circular urged Hajj agencies “… to complete and finalise all required pilgrims data as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.”
” The Commission remains resolute and unwavering in its commitment to delivering effective, efficient, and pilgrim-focused services to Nigerian pilgrims, and is fully prepared to work tirelessly towards the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj season.”
READ ALSO: Hajj 2026: NAHCON seeks extension as Saudi authorities close data-capturing portal
Background
NAHCON is the statutory body responsible for regulating, coordinating, and supervising Hajj and Umrah operations for Nigerian pilgrims.
The commission works closely with state pilgrims’ welfare boards, private tour operators, and Saudi authorities to ensure compliance with international timelines and procedures.
The Nusuk Masar platform is a centralised Saudi digital system used to capture pilgrims’ data, allocate services, and finalise logistics for Hajj operations worldwide. Failure to complete data submission within the stipulated timeframe can result in pilgrims being excluded from Hajj.
Nigeria, one of the world’s largest Hajj-participating countries, has in recent years faced challenges meeting Saudi deadlines due to administrative bottlenecks and the scale of its pilgrim population, making diplomatic interventions crucial to safeguarding its annual Hajj quota.
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