By GARBA MUHAMMAD

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has granted Nigeria a special extension to complete pilgrims’ data capturing and grouping for the 2026 Hajj, barely 48 hours after the global closure of the Nusuk Masar registration platform.

The development followed diplomatic intervention by the Federal Government after the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to engage Saudi authorities for consideration.

Saudi authorities subsequently approved the request, allowing Nigeria additional time to conclude the process.

This is contained in a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, NAHCON.

However, the Saudi Ministry warned that no further extension would be entertained after the expiration of this window, stressing the need for speedy completion of all data capturing requirements.

Hajj managers across the country have therefore been urged to work round the clock to ensure that all pilgrims’ data are properly uploaded and finalized within the stipulated period to avoid last-minute complications.

A circular from the Saudi authorities had earlier urged Hajj participating countries “to complete and finalize all required pilgrims’ data as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has resigned from his position.

In a statement released on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Professor Usman expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the opportunity to serve, noting that his resignation took effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.

The resignation letter, he said, was formally submitted to President Tinubu in compliance with Section 3(6) of the NAHCON Establishment Act, 2006.

Professor Usman cited personal reasons, following what he described as careful reflection and prayer, as the basis for his decision, emphasizing that his departure was not connected to any dissatisfaction with the Commission, the Federal Government, or NAHCON’s mandate.

He assumed office in an acting capacity on August 20, 2024, following the exit of Malam Jalal Arabi, and was later confirmed by the Senate as substantive chairman on October 10, 2024.

An Islamic scholar of repute, Professor Usman holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Madina, a Master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Peshawar University, Pakistan, and a PhD in Islamic Studies from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He also previously served as Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

The management and staff of NAHCON acknowledged his contributions to the Commission and to Nigerian pilgrims.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering effective, efficient and pilgrim-focused services, assuring stakeholders of its readiness to ensure a successful 2026 Hajj exercise.