Saliu Gbadamosi, Author at Tribune Online

There seems to be cheering news for Nigerians planning to participate in this year's Hajj as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Tuesday announced an extension of the deadline for the payment of the minimum deposit of N4.5million fixed by the Hajj body for intending pilgrims. The extension, from the early scheduled December 31, 2023 to January 31, according to the commission, is to provide an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in the sacred pilgrimage. Announcing the extension in a press release signed by NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, made available to Nigerian Tribune, the Hajj body stated that it was in response to concerns raised by clerics, governors, state pilgrims’ welfare boards/agencies/commissions and other stakeholders. Usara stated that the overwhelming request for extension from various religious communities underscores the significance of ensuring accessibility to a broader spectrum of Muslim faithful eager to participate in this year's Hajj exercise. According to Usara, "In response to the heartfelt concerns raised by religious clerics, state pilgrims’ welfare boards/agencies/commissions, state governors and other stakeholders regarding closure of 2024 Hajj registration, the NAHCON is pleased to announce the Federal Government’s approval for an extension of the deadline. "The new date is set for January 31, providing an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in this sacred pilgrimage "The overwhelming request for extension from various religious communities underscores the significance of ensuring accessibility to a broader spectrum of the faithfuls eager to embark on the spiritual journey of Hajj,’’ she said. She expressed NAHCON's confidence that before the January 31 deadline, the commission would have determined the cost of this year's Hajj with the support of other agencies. According to Usara, the new deadline provided an opportunity for new registrants to register for the spiritual exercise, while those yet to balance their payment would be able to do so. She informed that going by the Saudi Arabia authorities guidelines for the 2024 Hajj, February 25 was slated as end date for signing all contracts regarding this year's exercise. This, she further stated, meant that payments into all International Bank Account Number (IBAN) accounts must close by that date. "Consequently, NAHCON is confident that before expiration of the new deadline, with the support of its sister agencies, the Commission would have determined the total cost of 2024 Hajj. "NAHCON seizes this chance to remind intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has slated on 25th February as end date for signing all contracts, signaling the end of payments into IBAN accounts. "With this extension, NAHCON has barely a month to finalize payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 Hajj "This extension, even though overstretches NAHCON’s preparatory timeline, reflects the Commission’s Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi’s commitment to accommodating the concerns of stakeholders," Usara stated. "He prayed all Hajj handlers would utilize this opportunity well for success of 2024 Hajj operations." There had been growing concerns that Nigeria might not be able to fill its quota of 95,000 slots allocated to it by the Saudi Arabian authorities for this year's Hajj. The concerns emanated from the amount NAHCON asked intending pilgrims to pay as well as the deadline of December 31, 2023 earlier set for the remittance by state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards/agencies/commissions of the minimum deposit of N4.5 million intending pilgrims across the country were asked to make. Apart from this, there is a clear departure from what obtained up to last year's Hajj as issuance of visas for intending pilgrims will commence on March 1 and close on April 29, less than two months before Arafat Day, while first set of pilgrims is expected to arrive the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 9. READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Aftermath of drone attack: Count us out of Christmas celebration —Tudun Biri Christians Christmas: No cash, high cost of food items, but we will find way to celebrate Tinubu’s approval rating is reducing — Lukman, APC former vice chair FG to investigate outrageous airfares by airlines After two years, CBN lifts ban on cryptocurrency transactions Ailing Chief Kokori dies on 80th birthday Revenue: Stop tax waivers, offer rebates, Senate tells FG