NAHCON Extends Deadline For 2024 Hajj Payment, Announces New Due Date

• Every year, Muslims across the world go on a hajj pilgrimage to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam
• Legit.ng reports that in Nigeria, preparations for the Hajj have always come with a host of challenges, including the pilgrimage packages
• On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced that it has extended the payment deadline for the 2024 pilgrimage

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FCT, Abuja - The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has extended pilgrims’ registration for 2024 hajj following the low turnout of intended participants to meet the initial deadline.

In a statement on Tuesday, January 2, obtained by Legit.ng, NAHCON's assistant director on public affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara said the new deadline is Wednesday, January 31, 2024, as against December 31, 2023.

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2024 hajj: NAHCON shifts payment deadline

The agency said its decision was in response to "heartfelt concerns" raised by religious clerics in Nigeria.

NAHCON reminded intending pilgrims to seize the opportunity of the extension to make their payments.

NAHCON's statement partly reads:

"This extension, even though overstretches NAHCON’s preparatory timeline, reflects the Commission’s chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi’s commitment to accommodating the concerns of stakeholders.

"He expressed gratitude to religious leaders, state boards, and governors for their advocacy on behalf of the pilgrims. Malam Arabi described this collaborative effort as a testament to the shared commitment to facilitating a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience for all. He prayed all Hajj handlers would utilize this opportunity well for the success of 2024 Hajj operations."

2024 hajj: Pilgrims could pay N6m

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Earlier, Legit.ng reported the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) raised the alarm over the possibility of skyrocketed Hajj fare in 2024.

AHUON disclosed that intending pilgrims may pay as much as N6 million as against N3 million paid during the 2023 exercise.

Man goes on hajj with controversial fund

In a piece of related news, Legit.ng reported that a Nigerian man identified as Alfa Rafiu was arrested after he was found spending the money erroneously sent to his account.

The total amount mistakenly sent to the Kwara-based man's account was N280 million and it was alleged to have been sent in batches.

Source: Legit.ng