The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has again reminded intending pilgrims of the 26 September deadline for the completion of payment and registration processes for the 2027 Hajj.
The commission issued the reminder on Monday, urging intending pilgrims yet to complete their registration and payment to do so before the deadline.
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NAHCON said the deadline is in line with the timelines set by the Saudi authorities for organising the 2027 pilgrimage.
Why September deadline matters
The 26 September deadline is particularly important due to changes in how Saudi Arabia now manages Hajj preparations, with greater emphasis on early data submission and digital processing.
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NAHCON had earlier announced that day as the deadline for intending pilgrims to complete uploading their biometric data on the Saudi-approved Nusuk-Masar digital platform.
It said timely compliance is necessary for data synchronisation and seat allocation, warning that failure to meet the deadline could lead to forfeiture of allocated Hajj slots.
The commission has since been pressuring state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards and intending pilgrims to conclude the necessary processes ahead of the pilgrimage.
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2027 Hajj cost
NAHCON announced in August that pilgrims from Maiduguri and Yola would pay ₦7,560,822, while those travelling from the northern zone would pay ₦7,672,822. On the other hand, pilgrims from the southern part are to pay ₦7,882,822.
The commission explained that the fares were approved after consultations with state pilgrims’ welfare boards and service providers in Saudi Arabia, and consideration of prevailing exchange rates and service costs.
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Intending pilgrims who had already deposited ₦5 million were directed to pay the outstanding balance to complete their registration.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has fixed 2 December as the deadline for states to remit all 2027 Hajj fares.
The commission said no extension would be granted, stressing that data synchronisation and seat allocation depend on timely remittances by the states.
Early preparations
The commission’s preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage began shortly after the completion of the 2026 Hajj.
NAHCON Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, said in July that preparations for the 2027 exercise had commenced in line with Saudi Arabia’s timelines.
He disclosed that Nigeria had been allocated about 50,000 slots for the pilgrimage and said the annual Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia is expected to be signed in November 2026.
The chairman also disclosed that Saudi Arabia had proposed moving Nigeria’s Hajj operations towards a predominantly private tour-operator model.
He said while such a transition could have benefits, it should be gradual and carefully implemented, taking into account Nigeria’s demographic realities, digital infrastructure and the capacity of private operators.
Five airlines approved for airlift
As part of the early preparations, NAHCON has approved five airlines to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in 2027.
The approved airlines are Air Peace, Flynas, Max Air, Saudi Air and UMZA Aviation Services.
READ ALSO: NAHCON opens review of 2026 Hajj, invites pilgrims to submit complaints before 31 July
The early approval is expected to give the commission and other stakeholders more time to plan the movement of pilgrims and address some of the logistical challenges associated with previous Hajj operations.
Pilgrims urged to act now
The latest reminder means intending pilgrims have only until 26 September to meet the first major registration deadline for the 2027 Hajj.
NAHCON is asking those who have yet to complete their payments and registration to do so before the deadline, as the commission moves to align Nigeria’s Hajj operations with Saudi Arabia’s increasingly technology-driven and deadline-based system.
With preparations already underway and another major payment deadline due in December, the 2027 Hajj is set to be organised under a significantly earlier planning timetable than previous exercises.
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