By Sani Tukur
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Tuesday announced the extension of the deadline for registration of intending pilgrims to January 31, 2024.
The commission has earlier fixed December 31, 2023 as the deadline owing to a new Hajj calendar of activities released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON said the federal government of Nigeria approved the extension of the deadline following numerous requests from critical stakeholders in the Hajj and Umrah industry.
The decision is a welcome one because intending pilgrims from Nigeria now has an opportunity to get fully on board.
Based on the Saudi calendar of activities, all Hajj participating countries are expected to finalise signing of Memorandum of activities with service providers by the end of January. Countries are also expected to fund their International Bank Account Numbers (IBAN) by the second week of February.
In the case of Nigeria and without a solid Hajj Saving scheme in the country, it means NAHCON must have the funds needed to conclude all arrangements and fund their IBAN ahead of deadline.
The onus is now on intending pilgrims to strive harder than they were doing to register and pay deposits so that relevant agencies can include them in their plans for this year’s Hajj. Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and performing it is a must for anyone with the means.
Anyone intending to travel for this year’s Hajj should “hustle” harder and at the end of the day, they will find themselves in Saudi, God blesses and simplify these efforts, just don’t give up.
Another word of advice is for intending pilgrims to make their intentions and pay a deposit without having to wait for the whole N4.5 million to be available. God will make a way. Trust me on that.
On a final note, I was made to understand that it is beyond NAHCON or any other body to grant further extensions with regards to Hajj 2024 registration. It is therefore, in the best interest of those wishing to travel either through the States Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies or Private Tour Operators to ensure they register and are in the plans of those making arrangements for them to participate in this year’s Hajj.
May Allah make it easy for is all and grant us the chance to undertake the holy pilgrimage.
