“Hajj Hopes Hanging!” Thousands of Nigerians May Miss 2026 Pilgrimage as Saudi Closes Portal; NAHCON Begs for Emergency Extension

A dark cloud of uncertainty has settled over thousands of intending Nigerian pilgrims following the official closure of the Saudi Arabian Hajj data-capturing portal. Despite many having fully paid the multi-million naira fares, they now face the heartbreaking possibility of missing the 2026 spiritual journey.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed on Monday that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah shut down the Nusuk Masar registration platform at midnight on February 8. This move effectively locks out any pilgrim whose data—including passport details and medical screenings was not successfully uploaded by the deadline.

“We have formally appealed to the Saudi authorities for an extension,” said NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara. “Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian who has fulfilled their obligations is not denied this rare opportunity due to technical or administrative delays.”

The situation is particularly tense given that Nigeria’s 2026 quota had already been reduced to 66,910 slots due to previous years’ underutilization. For many in states like Kano and Kaduna, where registration numbers are high, the portal closure feels like a “spiritual disaster.” Intending pilgrims reported that while they submitted their documents weeks ago, the “slow pace” of data entry by local officials left them stranded when the clock struck midnight.

NAHCON has moved into damage-control mode, urging all stakeholders to remain calm while diplomatic talks continue. In the meantime, the commission has sent a clear “red alert” to the public: do not pay another kobo to anyone. Payments for the 2026 Hajj are officially closed, and anyone asking for money now is likely a fraudster exploiting the current panic.

As the March 20th final deadline for visa processing looms, the fate of thousands of Nigerians now rests entirely on whether the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will grant Nigeria a “mercy extension” to finish what has become a race against time.