2024 Hajj Payment Deadline Extended

The National Hajj Commission has announced an extension of the payment deadline for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, now set for January 31, 2024, instead of the earlier stipulated December 31, 2023. In response to concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, State Governors, and other stakeholders regarding a low turnout, the commission reconsidered its stance. Assistant Director on Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, emphasized that the extension aims to provide additional opportunities for a broader range of faithful individuals seeking to participate in this sacred journey. Despite initially intending to proceed with the pilgrims who made payments by the initial deadline, NAHCON acknowledged the inevitability of the extension due to overwhelming requests and the significance of accessibility for all interested individuals. Usara highlighted that this extension period not only offers a chance for new registrations but also allows those needing to balance payments to do so within the extended timeframe. Moreover, she stressed the urgency of finalizing all Hajj deposits into designated accounts by the end of February, aligning with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s contractual deadlines. Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Chairman of NAHCON, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort among religious leaders, state boards, and governors in advocating for the pilgrims’ interests.  He underscored the commitment to ensuring a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience and urged all stakeholders to utilize this extended opportunity effectively for the success of the 2024 Hajj operations.

2023 Hajj: 14 Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has revealed that Nigeria lost 14 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia from the beginning of ongoing 2023 hajj operation to date. Dr Usman Galadima, Chief of Operations and Head of the NAHCON National Medical Team made this known during a post-Arafat meeting with stakeholders on Sunday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Galadima explained that seven pilgrims died before Arafat, six died during the five-day Mashair (core Hajj period) and additional one person died after the Arafat. “We had six reported death at Mashair, four died in Arafat and the other two died in Mina. Already we lost seven pilgrims before Arafat and just now I have just been informed that we lost another pilgrim. This brings the total of deaths recorded to 14. “The mortality rate is similar to that of 2019,” he said. He also revealed that the medical team recorded three cases of chickenpox during the core hajj period and the affected pilgrims were immediately moved out of the area as a preventive measure to avoid the spread of the disease. Galadima also disclosed that the team recorded two deliveries during the period of the hajj ritual in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, adding that one of the pregnant women delivered on the road, while the second one was brought to the clinic and delivered safely. He emphasised the need for a thorough pre-hajj medical screening with the issuance of a certificate of medical fitness. He also said that elderly pilgrims and those that are very sick should be discouraged from participating in the symbolic devil stoning at Jamrat because of the stress involved. In his presentation, the NAHCON Head of Aviation, Alhaji Goni Sanda, disclosed that the transport of pilgrims back to Nigeria would begins on Tuesday, July 4. He said the policy of first in, first out would strictly be applied in the evacuation of the pilgrims back to Nigeria. He further stated that the Saudi authorities have a policy that in the first two weeks, the air carriers would not operate maximally due to the volume of traffic and a large number of aircraft involved in the evacuation of pilgrims from different countries, as well as the fact that virtually all planes will take off from one Airport, the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah. He stated that in the first two weeks of the start of the transportation of pilgrims, Flynas would only utilise four of its six aircraft for the operation, adding that the other two are undergoing some checks and maintenance. Also, the Commissioner, Operations of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, said the commission had resolved to ensure that pilgrims fully obey its luggage policy during their return journey to Nigeria. He recalled that in 2022, there was a breach, but pledged that such breaches would not be tolerated this year, so as to have a seamless operation. He decried the attitude of some pilgrims, particularly the females, who go to the airport with multiple bags all in the name of hand luggage, warning that this time the situation would not be accepted. He therefore called on officials of state pilgrims boards to inform their pilgrims about the policy to avoid any inconveniences and unnecessary delays at the airport. “The airline operators have bitterly complained about this untoward behavior of some pilgrims, which put the lives of other passengers in the aircraft at risk. This time it will not be business as usual. “And for fear of losing some valuables at the airport, the pilgrims should abide by the 32kg luggage policy, or they should avail themselves with the cargo window.”