2025 Hajj registration extended by two weeks – NAHCON

The registration of intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj operations has been extended by two weeks, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced.

The registration was initially scheduled to close at midnight on January 30, 2025.

The new deadline of February 14, 2025, was announced by Sheikh Ahmed Abdulmumini, who led the NAHCON team on a tour of state pilgrims’ commissions to Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, on Wednesday.

Addressing intending pilgrims in Lokoja, Abdulmumini noted that payment for the 2025 Hajj operations was originally set to close on January 30, 2025. However, he stated, “It is my pleasure to inform all intending pilgrims in Kogi State and stakeholders that NAHCON has graciously extended the payment date to February 14, 2025.

“With this two-week extension, intending pilgrims who are yet to complete their payments in the state now have the opportunity to do so within the extended period.”

Abdulmumini reminded intending pilgrims to save their payments only with Jaiz Bank, Lokoja, as it is the only bank enlisted in the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) for the 2025 Hajj operations.

“NAHCON has secured approval for three other banks for subsequent operations: Alternative Bank, Taj Bank, and Lotus Bank. These banks will be available for the 2026 Hajj, but for the 2025 Hajj, only Jaiz Bank is authorised to receive deposits.”

He advised all intending pilgrims to make adequate use of the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) to save their money and avoid patronising fraudulent agents.

He also warned intending pilgrims of the risks of paying for their Hajj fare through individuals or organisations other than the designated banks.

Additionally, he confirmed that registered intending pilgrims from Kogi State will be among the first batch to be airlifted from the country.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Kogi State Muslim Pilgrims Commission, Sheikh Lukeman Imam-Abdullah, said, “Since the introduction of the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) policy, intending pilgrims have been responsible for their savings, and that has brought trust into the payment system.”

Imam-Abdullah commended Jaiz Bank for its transparency in managing pilgrims’ funds and stressed that Kogi State was the first to embrace and implement the HSS policy 100%, adding that there are no more irregularities in the management of Hajj payments.