The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged all intending pilgrims to complete their payments before the final deadline of December 5, 2025.
This request comes as preparations for the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia are intensifying.
The appeal was made by the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Sa’adu Hassan, who also serves as an adviser to the NAHCON Chairman.
He spoke to Voice of Nigeria by phone from Saudi Arabia, where he is currently on an official pre-Hajj visit.
Sa’adu called on all intending pilgrims from Gombe to ensure they settle their payments before the deadline to avoid exclusion from the 2026 pilgrimage.
“We expect every intending pilgrim in Gombe to complete their payment before December 5, 2025.
“Only those who meet this deadline will be included in the list we forward to NAHCON for the 2026 Hajj,” Hassan said.
The Executive Secretary explained that NAHCON will no longer allocate Hajj seats to states as previously done. Instead, each state’s allocation will depend strictly on the payments made before the deadline.
“NAHCON has made it clear that it will not allocate a fixed number of seats to any state. Your payment determines your slot; the more complete payments a state submits, the more slots it gets,” Hassan stressed.
Fewer Slots for Nigeria
He also expressed concern over the reduction in Hajj slots allocated to Nigeria by Saudi authorities.
“Initially, we were given 95,000 slots, which were later reduced to 67,000. But just as we were about to sign the final agreement, the number dropped again to 50,000,” he lamented.
Hassan said the Saudi officials linked the reduction to Nigeria’s inability to fully utilise its earlier allocations.
However, after further discussions, there is hope that the number could be increased again.
“They assured us that if our registered pilgrims exceed 50,000 by the payment deadline, they will consider restoring the earlier 67,000 slots,” he said.
Preparations
During the pre-Hajj visit, Sa’adu and other NAHCON officials inspected accommodation facilities in Makkah and Madinah to ensure they meet the required standards for Nigerian pilgrims.
“We have inspected hotels and other facilities in Makkah and Madinah.
“Some officials are also in Jeddah finalising contracts with service providers,” Hassan stated.
Strong Warning to Late Payers
He issued a firm warning against the common habit of delaying payments until January or later, stressing that any payment made after December 5, 2025, will not be accepted.
“Anyone who pays after the deadline will automatically miss the 2026 Hajj and will have to wait until 2027.
“This message must reach every intending pilgrim in Gombe and beyond,” Hassan warned.
He emphasised the role of community and religious leaders in spreading the message across towns and villages.
“As leaders, it is our duty to inform the public. Anyone who hears this message on the radio should pass it to others, especially intending pilgrims in their community,” Hassan said.
He also reminded Nigerians that Saudi Arabia’s Hajj schedule is fixed and not subject to change based on any country’s internal situations.
“The Saudi authorities are firm. Whether five or five thousand Nigerians go for Hajj, the schedule remains the same. It is therefore in our best interest to comply with all deadlines and requirements,” Hassan stressed.