The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has granted an extension for Nigerian pilgrims’ data capturing and grouping for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
A statement issued by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Fatima Usara, said the extension followed the intervention of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to engage Saudi authorities on the matter.
According to the statement, the Saudi authorities granted Nigeria a special extension to enable the completion of pilgrims’ data capturing on the Nusuk Masar platform.
The Saudi Ministry emphasized that no further extensions will be allowed after the current window, urging Hajj managers to finalize the process promptly.
The statement advised all stakeholders to work around the clock to avoid last-minute challenges.
The extension comes just 48 hours after the global closure of the Nusuk Masar platform, highlighting the urgency for agencies to complete all pilgrims’ data.
NAHCON reassured stakeholders of its commitment to a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj operation in line with international guidelines and best practices.
The Commission had previously announced the closure of the data-capturing window but appealed for the extension to accommodate Nigerian pilgrims yet to be registered.
