Re: Saudi Portal Closes, Hundreds of State Pilgrims Risk Missing 2026 Hajj
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reacted to reports concerning pilgrims yet to be captured following the closure of the Saudi portal.
In a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara on behalf of NAHCON and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the Commission recalled that after Nigeria’s Hajj quota was reduced to 50,000 pilgrims, it convened a meeting with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards where earlier allocations were formally cancelled. A first-come, first-served policy based strictly on confirmed remittances was subsequently adopted.
Following this resolution, many State Boards secured funding and remitted payments accordingly. Camp bookings were then allocated based on remittances completed on or before 2nd January, which had been clearly communicated as the deadline.
The statement further noted that a few states, including Kaduna and Niger, later received limited additional allocations. These were made possible through internal spooling from states that had remitted in excess of their approved figures.
The Commission had repeatedly cautioned stakeholders against late registration, emphasizing that Saudi authorities would strictly enforce operational timelines. Although NAHCON later sought additional slots to accommodate more pilgrims, approval for the request was received after key Saudi operational portals had already closed.
NAHCON appealed to pilgrims who completed their payments after the stipulated deadlines to remain calm and patient, assuring that updates would be communicated as necessary.