The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has granted Nigeria a special extension for the completion of pilgrims’ data capturing and grouping for the 2026 Hajj exercise, following high-level intervention by the Federal Government.
The extension was secured after the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tugga, to engage Saudi authorities on the matter. The Saudi authorities acceded to the request, allowing Nigerian Hajj managers additional time to finalize the registration process on the Nusuk Masar platform.
A statement signed by NAHCONS’ deputy director information and public relations Fatima Sanda Usara warned that no further extensions would be entertained after the expiration of the current window, stressing the need for speedy completion of all required data. Hajj managers across the country have therefore been urged to work round the clock to meet the deadline.
The development comes barely 48 hours after the global closure of the Nusuk Masar data capturing platform, which had earlier prompted concerns among stakeholders. A circular from authorities emphasized the need for agencies to complete and finalize all pilgrims’ data promptly to avoid last-minute challenges.
Hajj Reporters reports that Pakistani Ministry of Religious Affairs also extended the final deadline for completing Saudi visa biometric verification for Pakistani Hajj pilgrims to February 17 as announced on Tuesday.
The extension is expected to ease pressure on Hajj operators and ensure Nigeria’s smooth participation in the 2026 Hajj.
