The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has extended the deadline for intending pilgrims who have made initial deposits to complete their Hajj fare payments.
The Executive Chairman of the Agency, Aliyu Musa, announced this during a meeting with Assistant Hajj Registration Officers from the 23 Local Government Areas held in his office.
Aliyu Musa further urged intending pilgrims who wish to make full payment for the 2026 Hajj to take advantage of the new window of opportunity.
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“The new deadline is Friday, 12th December, as announced by NAHCON. Use the advantage to complete your payments before the deadline expires,” he urged.
He explained that, unlike in previous years, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has introduced new guidelines for the airlift of pilgrims, in line with updated Saudi Arabian Hajj regulations.
According to him, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has unveiled a new boarding and group travel system for 2026 pilgrims, in which each ticket will be digitally linked to the Nusuk card.
He added that these cards will be pre-positioned on designated buses that convey pilgrims to their accommodations in Makkah and Madinah.
” Pilgrims will be required to remain in the same groups under which their visas were processed. Each group, consisting of 45 pilgrims, will travel, lodge, and return together, with no regrouping allowed after visa processing.
” In addition, all pre-arrival data must be uploaded to the Nusuk Masar platform at least 72 hours before departure.
“Any pilgrim who fails to board after being ticketed will be marked as a no-show and may be liable for the cost of the unused seat,” he noted.
The Executive Chairman revealed that the ministry has also introduced a mandatory boarding card to be issued before take-off, containing all accommodation, travel, and group information.