The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that 2,717 intending Nigerian pilgrims missed the 2025 Hajj exercise due to late payment of fees, despite multiple deadline extensions and repeated warnings from the commission.
This was disclosed in a statement by the commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, who emphasized that the delay in payments led to missed visa processing deadlines, even after NAHCON made significant efforts to accommodate latecomers.
According to the commission, 13,217 visas were successfully secured for private tour operator pilgrims out of 14,158 registered applicants, reflecting strong engagement from the private Hajj sector. However, despite NAHCON’s repeated appeals and four deadline extensions, many intending pilgrims failed to remit their Hajj fares on time.
“From the beginning of registration till the final closure of visa issuance on May 19, 2025, NAHCON consistently extended deadlines to allow more pilgrims the opportunity to complete their payment and documentation,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, some still delayed their payments until it was too late.”
NAHCON had formally requested an extension from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was initially approved, giving operators and state boards additional time to organize logistics and finalize accommodation plans. The one-month grace period offered relief for late-paying pilgrims, but ultimately, visa processing was halted on May 19.
Usara also addressed concerns over unauthorized premium Tent A+ arrangements, warning that some operators were engaging third-party providers outside the commission’s official agreements.
She clarified that only Rawaf Mina Company is recognized by Saudi authorities and NAHCON for the provision of Tent A+ services during the 2025 Hajj, and any private arrangements made outside this channel are at the operator’s risk.
“NAHCON will not be held responsible for any consequences arising from unofficial deals regarding Tent A+ services,” she said. “Tour operators must avoid compromising the welfare of pilgrims or violating Saudi regulations.”
The commission urged all future intending pilgrims to plan ahead and make payments within official timelines to avoid missing out on such a spiritually significant journey. “Hajj is an invitation from Allah,” the statement concluded, “but it also demands preparedness and discipline from those seeking to respond to the call.”
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