The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a fresh reminder to all intending pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj to complete their payment and registration before the September 26 deadline. The commission stressed that this date aligns with timelines set by Saudi Arabian authorities for the organisation of next year's pilgrimage.
According to a report by Premium Times, the reminder was published on Monday, September 7, 2026, with NAHCON urging those who have not yet finished the process to act immediately. The commission had earlier confirmed that the date is the cutoff for pilgrims to upload their biometric data onto the Saudi-approved Nusuk-Masar digital platform.
Why the September 26 deadline is critical
The deadline carries particular weight because of changes Saudi Arabia has introduced to how it manages Hajj preparations, with greater reliance on early data submission and digital systems. NAHCON said timely compliance is needed for data synchronisation and seat allocation. It warned that pilgrims who miss the deadline risk losing their allocated Hajj slots entirely.
NAHCON has been pressing state Muslim pilgrims' welfare boards to ensure their intending pilgrims wrap up the necessary processes without delay. The commission has also been working to align with Saudi timelines, which are now more digital and data-driven than in previous years.
2027 Hajj fares and payment breakdown
NAHCON announced in August that fare costs vary by departure zone. Pilgrims flying from Maiduguri and Yola will pay ₦7,560,822; those from the northern zone will pay ₦7,672,822; and pilgrims from the southern zone will pay ₦7,882,822. These fares were set following consultations with state pilgrims' welfare boards and Saudi service providers, taking into account current exchange rates and service costs.
Pilgrims who had already deposited ₦5 million were told to pay the outstanding balance to complete their registration. The commission also fixed December 2 as the deadline for states to remit all 2027 Hajj fares, adding that no extension would be granted.
Early preparations and airline approvals
Preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage began shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 Hajj. NAHCON Chairman Ismail Yusuf said in July that the commission had moved quickly to align with Saudi timelines. He confirmed that Nigeria has been allocated about 50,000 slots for the pilgrimage and that the annual Hajj Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia is expected to be signed in November 2026.
Yusuf also disclosed that Saudi Arabia has proposed shifting Nigeria's Hajj operations towards a predominantly private tour-operator model, though he said any such transition should be gradual and account for Nigeria's digital infrastructure and the capacity of private operators. As part of early logistics planning, NAHCON approved five airlines to transport Nigerian pilgrims: Air Peace, Flynas, Max Air, Saudi Air, and UMZA Aviation Services. The early approvals are intended to give stakeholders more time to plan pilgrim movement and address logistical issues seen in previous Hajj operations.
The commission's reminder underscores the urgency for all intending pilgrims to meet the September 26 deadline to secure their slots for the 2027 Hajj.
