Saudi Arabia Rejects 2,717 Nigerian Hajj Pilgrims, Reason Emerges

• About 2,717 Nigerian pilgrims missed the 2025 Hajj due to late registration and the closure of Saudi Arabia’s visa portal
• The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced this and noted that although it extended visa issuance deadlines four times, it was unable to secure a last-minute extension from Saudi authorities
• The commission further warned tour operators against unauthorised Tent A+ service providers and reaffirmed its commitment to pilgrims' welfare

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclosed that 2,717 intending pilgrims from Nigeria were unable to secure visas for the 2025 Hajj due to the closure of the Saudi visa portal.

2,717 Nigerian pilgrims miss 2025 Hajj

In a statement signed on Monday, June 2, 2025, by NAHCON’s assistant director of information and publication, Fatima Usara, the commission expressed regret over the situation, despite its efforts to get the Saudi authorities to consider reopening the visa portal “even for an hour.”

“Despite concerted efforts to get the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to consider the re-opening of the visa portal, even for an hour, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is saddened that this was not achieved. Hence, the visa suspension affected 2,717 pilgrims who had late registration from both sides,” the statement partly read.

NAHCON stated that it had facilitated the extension of visa issuance deadlines four times, adding that the commission also intervened by securing Masha’ir slots for its Hajj coordinators under both public and private sectors back in February, to forestall the current situation.

According to the statement, the one-month extension from April 19 provided relief for State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Tour Operators still concluding arrangements for their clients, The Punch reported.

Hajj commission sends important safety message

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah issued vital safety instructions for Hajj 2025, emphasising precautions against extreme temperatures at Arafat.

It said pilgrims must strictly adhere to movement schedules, avoid walking to Muzdalifah, and ensure compliance with official guidelines to maintain order and safety.

The commission added that only authorised providers can conduct sacrificial rites, and strict regulations are in place to prevent unregistered pilgrims from entering tents.

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• 2025 Hajj: Jubilation as Zamfara woman gives birth in Saudi Arabia, photos trend
• 2025 Hajj: Tragedy as 75-year-old Edo pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

2025 Hajj: Saudi Arabia deports Sheikh Gumi

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Saudi Arabian authorities barred Sheikh Ahmad Gumi from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

The prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar was deported back to Nigeria on Monday, May 25, 2025.

The controversial Islamic cleric shared details of what happened and the reason he was barred from participating in the religious rites.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng