•Hajj
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has granted a special extension for pilgrims’ data capturing and grouping for the 2026 Hajj, about 48 hours after the initial deadline elapsed.
The extension followed the intervention of the Federal Government of Nigeria through intensive diplomatic engagement with Saudi authorities.
Saudi Arabia had earlier fixed February 8, 2026, as the deadline for the completion of data capturing for all intending pilgrims ahead of the commencement of Hajj visa issuance.
However, thousands of Nigerian pilgrims who had registered for the 2026 pilgrimage were unable to meet the deadline, prompting renewed lobbying by Nigerian authorities for reconsideration.
In a statement issued yesterday evening, the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Fatima Sanda Usara, disclosed that the extension was granted following high-level diplomatic intervention, but warned that no further extensions would be entertained.
According to the statement, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, to engage Saudi authorities on the matter.
“On the instruction of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, reached out to the Saudi authorities to request a special extension for Nigeria to complete pilgrims’ data capturing,” the statement said.
“The Saudi authorities graciously accepted the request and granted the extension. However, it is expected that after the expiration of this window, no further requests for extension will be considered,” the statement added.
NAHCON cautioned Hajj managers and agencies to act swiftly to avoid jeopardising Nigeria’s participation quota.
“Hajj managers are therefore advised to work round the clock to ensure that the process is completed within the shortest possible time,” Usara said.
She further explained that the extension came barely 48 hours after the global closure of the Nusuk Masar pilgrims’ data capturing platform.
The circular issued by Saudi authorities urged Hajj agencies “to complete and finalise all required pilgrims’ data as soon as possible to avoid last-minute challenges.”
