Nigeria's National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has reaffirmed September 26, 2026 as the final deadline for intending pilgrims to complete their registration payments and upload biometric data for the 2027 Hajj. The commission warned that those who miss the deadline risk forfeiting their allocated slots, describing timely compliance as essential for data synchronisation and seat allocation.

Deadline and Biometric Data Upload

According to NAHCON, intending pilgrims must complete their registration payment and upload their biometric data by September 26. The data is submitted through the Saudi-approved Nusuk-Masar digital platform, which links Nigerian pilgrim records with the Saudi system for verification and seat allocation.

The commission said the biometric step is not optional. It stressed that pilgrims who fail to meet the deadline could lose their places, and that early submission is necessary for the system to synchronise records correctly ahead of the season.

Payment Amounts by Zone

NAHCON set differentiated Hajj fares based on the pilgrim's zone of departure. According to the commission, the amounts are structured as follows:

  • Maiduguri and Yola pilgrims: 7,560,822 naira.
  • Northern zone: 7,672,822 naira.
  • Southern zone: 7,882,822 naira.

The commission also set December 2, 2026 as the deadline for states to remit all Hajj fares, and it indicated that no extension would be granted for that remittance.

Quota and National Preparations

Nigeria has been allocated approximately 50,000 Hajj slots for the 2027 season. NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf said in July that preparations had commenced in line with Saudi Arabia's timelines, and he disclosed the 50,000-slot allocation at that time.

The commission framed the September 26 deadline as part of a wider move by Saudi authorities toward early data submission and digital processing for 2027. Saudi Arabia has encouraged pilgrim-sending countries to complete registration and data uploads well ahead of the season to improve planning and reduce last-minute complications.

Warnings to Intending Pilgrims

NAHCON was direct in its messaging. It emphasised that failure to meet the September 26 deadline could result in forfeiture of allocated slots, and that "timely compliance was necessary for data synchronisation and seat allocation." The commission urged states and pilgrims to treat the deadline as final.

Practical Tips for Nigerian Pilgrims

  • Complete both the registration payment and the biometric data upload before September 26, not just one of them.
  • Confirm the correct fare for your zone of departure before making payment.
  • Ensure your biometric data is captured and uploaded on the Nusuk-Masar platform, and keep confirmation of the upload.
  • Work with your state pilgrims board early, since states must remit all fares by December 2 with no extension.
  • Keep all payment receipts and registration references in case verification is needed.
  • Follow official NAHCON channels for updates, as requirements for the 2027 season continue to be finalised.

Prospective pilgrims should verify all figures and deadlines directly with NAHCON and their state pilgrims welfare boards, as costs and procedures may be updated.