The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has extended the deadline for Nigerian pilgrims’ data capturing and grouping for the 2026 Hajj season, following a request from the Nigerian government.
On the instruction of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tugga, approached Saudi authorities to secure a special extension for Nigeria. The request was granted, allowing Hajj managers additional time to complete the necessary data collection.
Saudi authorities have emphasized that no further extensions will be considered, urging all Hajj agencies to finalize pilgrims’ information promptly to avoid last-minute issues. This extension comes just 48 hours after the global closure of the Nusuk Masar data-capturing platform.
In a related development, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has officially resigned as Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), effective Monday, 9th February 2026. In a statement released on 10th February, Professor Usman expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the opportunity to serve, citing personal reasons for his departure.
Professor Usman emphasized that his resignation is not due to dissatisfaction with the Commission, the Federal Government, or NAHCON’s mandate. He took over from Malam Jalal Arabi in an acting capacity on 20th August 2024 and was confirmed by the Senate as full-time Chairman on 10th October 2024.
A respected Islamic scholar, Professor 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.
NAHCON management and staff acknowledged Professor Usman’s contributions to Nigerian pilgrims and other stakeholders, reaffirming their commitment to delivering efficient, pilgrim-focused services for the 2026 Hajj season.
