Saudi Grants Nigeria Extension for 2026 Hajj Data Capture as NAHCON Chair Resigns
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Saudi Grants Nigeria Extension for 2026 Hajj Data Capture as NAHCON Chair Resigns
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has granted Nigeria a special extension to complete pilgrims’ data capturing and grouping for the 2026 Hajj, following diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government.
This came barely 48 hours after the global closure of the Nusuk Masar data capturing platform, which had earlier directed all participating countries to finalise the uploading of pilgrims’ details.
The extension was secured after Vice President Kashim Shettima directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to engage Saudi authorities to allow Nigeria conclude its documentation process.
Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah graciously approved Nigeria’s request.
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She said, “On the instruction of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, reached out to the Saudi authorities to grant Nigeria a special extension to allow for the completion of pilgrims’ data capturing. The Saudi authorities have graciously accepted the request.”
Usara, however, noted that the extension is temporary, warning that no further request would be entertained after the expiration of the new deadline.
She added, “It is expected that after the expiration of this extension, the Saudi authorities will not accept any further requests, as they have emphasised the need for speedy completion of the process.”
According to her, Hajj managers across the country have been advised to work round the clock to ensure that all pilgrims’ data are captured and grouped within the shortest possible time.
She quoted the earlier circular from the Saudi authorities as urging Hajj agencies “to complete and finalize all required pilgrims’ data as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.”
The development is expected to bring relief to intending Nigerian pilgrims and stakeholders in the Hajj industry, who had expressed concerns over the earlier closure of the Nusuk Masar platform.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned from office.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Usman expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the opportunity to serve, stating that his resignation took effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
According to the statement, the resignation letter was submitted to the President in compliance with Section 3(6) of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2006.
Usman cited personal grounds, following what he described as careful reflection and prayer, as the reason for his decision, stressing that his departure was not linked to any dissatisfaction with the Commission, the Federal Government or NAHCON’s mandate.
He was appointed in acting capacity on August 20, 2024, following the exit of Malam Jalal Arabi, and was confirmed by the Senate as substantive chairman on October 10, 2024.
An Islamic scholar, Usman holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Madina, a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Peshawar University, Pakistan, and a doctorate in Islamic Studies from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
He previously served as Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The management and staff of NAHCON acknowledged his contributions to the Commission and his service to Nigerian pilgrims, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to delivering effective, efficient and pilgrim-focused services ahead of the 2026 Hajj.
