- 2,717 Nigerian Pilgrims Miss 2025 Hajj Over Visa Portal Closure.
- NAHCON extended deadlines four times before closure.
- Only Rawaf Mina approved for premium Tent A+ services.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that 2,717 intending pilgrims were unable to obtain visas for the 2025 Hajj due to the closure of the Saudi visa portal.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement on Monday, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, said all efforts to get the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reopen the portal, even briefly, proved unsuccessful.
“Despite multiple deadline extensions, including four separate concessions on Hajj fare remittance and visa issuance, the closure affected late-registered pilgrims,” Usara stated.
She urged future pilgrims to plan and make payments early to avoid such disappointment, stressing that Hajj is a divine call that requires timely preparation.
The commission disclosed that it had warned stakeholders of the final visa issuance deadline—April 19, 2025. However, several pilgrims continued to register late, prompting NAHCON to secure an additional one-month extension. Visa access was finally blocked on May 19, 2025.
NAHCON also revealed that out of 14,158 pilgrims registered under licensed tour operators, 13,217 received visas before the portal closure. It described the private sector’s participation as strong and added that it had legally accommodated more pilgrims to increase operator capacity.
However, the commission cautioned against unauthorized arrangements, especially concerning premium Tent A+ services. It reiterated that only Rawaf Mina Company is officially recognized for such provisions during the 2025 Hajj.
Tour operators were warned not to involve third parties, as NAHCON would not be liable for any consequences arising from unapproved deals.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian pilgrims and ensuring compliance with Saudi regulations.
