The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has reaffirmed 26 September 2026 as the deadline for intending pilgrims to complete registration and payment for the 2027 Hajj. The commission, known as NAHCON, said the date is fixed and that no extension will be granted, stressing that the schedule follows timelines set by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The reminder, issued in early September 2026, comes as several countries move to lock in their pilgrim numbers for the 1448 AH season under a tighter Saudi registration framework.

What pilgrims must complete

According to NAHCON, intending pilgrims must upload their biometric data on the Saudi-approved Nusuk-Masar platform before the deadline. Those who have not yet completed payment are required to do so by 26 September as well. The commission said both steps are necessary for a place to be secured and processed for the coming season.

NAHCON described the deadline as a matter of strict compliance with Saudi policy rather than an internal administrative choice. The commission said no extension would be granted beyond the date, and it urged state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and private tour operators to ensure that their pilgrims act in good time.

Fares and slots

Nigeria has been allocated about 50,000 slots for the 2027 pilgrimage. NAHCON said Hajj fares, as approved by the Federal Government, range from 7,560,822 naira to 7,882,822 naira depending on the pilgrim's departure point across the country. The variation reflects differing flight and logistics costs from Nigeria's regional embarkation points.

The commission encouraged intending pilgrims to finalise their payments early rather than waiting until the final days, warning that late action risks forfeiting a place given the firm Saudi cut-off.

No room for extension

NAHCON has been firm that the 26 September date will hold. The commission said the deadline is not subject to negotiation because it is drawn directly from the operational calendar issued by Saudi Arabia. Missing it, the commission warned, would mean an intending pilgrim cannot be processed for the 2027 season and would have to wait for a future year.

The commission also appealed to state pilgrims welfare boards to intensify sensitisation so that no eligible pilgrim is caught out by the cut-off. It noted that early registration allows more time to resolve issues such as incomplete payments, passport problems, or gaps in biometric records before the window closes.

Part of a wider registration push

Nigeria's announcement mirrors a broader pattern for the 2027 season, in which Saudi Arabia has asked national Hajj authorities to confirm pilgrim data and payments earlier than in previous years. The Kingdom has tied registration to the Nusuk-Masar system, which handles biometric capture and links pilgrims to approved service arrangements.

The early timeline is intended to give authorities more room to arrange accommodation, transport and services before the pilgrimage, which is expected to fall in the third week of May 2027. For pilgrims, it means decisions and payments must be made months earlier than many are used to.

Practical tips for Nigerian pilgrims

  • Do not wait for the last day. Complete biometric capture on Nusuk-Masar and finalise payment well before 26 September, as NAHCON has ruled out any extension.
  • Confirm your departure point. Fares differ by embarkation centre, so check the exact amount that applies to your zone before paying.
  • Use official channels only. Register and pay through your state pilgrims welfare board or a NAHCON-licensed operator to avoid fraud.
  • Keep your documents ready. Ensure your passport and identification details match your registration to avoid delays in visa processing.
  • Prepare for health requirements. Saudi Arabia has made medical fitness mandatory for 2027, so begin any required checks and vaccinations early.