The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a strong advisory to intending pilgrims, cautioning them against making any payments for the 2026 Hajj to individuals, groups, or unauthorised agencies, declaring that all official payments for the pilgrimage exercise have been formally closed. The commission stressed that any financial transaction carried out outside its approved framework is invalid and undertaken at the personal risk of the payer.
This clarification was contained in a statement released by NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, who disclosed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through its Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has officially shut the data-capturing window for the 2026 Hajj season. The development effectively brings to a halt the uploading of pilgrims’ details on the Nusuk Masar platform, the central digital portal mandated by Saudi authorities for the management and coordination of Hajj operations worldwide.
NAHCON, however, noted that it is actively engaging with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to seek an extension of the data-capturing deadline. According to the commission, the appeal is aimed at providing Nigerian Hajj operators with additional time to complete the documentation and upload of pilgrims who are yet to be captured on the Nusuk Masar system, in order to avoid the disenfranchisement of prospective pilgrims who had initiated the process before the closure.
While reassuring stakeholders of its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian pilgrims, the commission urged the general public to remain vigilant and patient, warning against misinformation and fraudulent activities that often trail such periods. NAHCON emphasised that all official announcements, updates, and directives concerning the 2026 Hajj will be communicated strictly through its verified communication channels, advising intending pilgrims to rely only on authorised sources for credible information.
The commission reiterated its resolve to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders, both locally and internationally, to ensure transparency, compliance with Saudi regulations, and the successful coordination of Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 Hajj exercise.
