By Aminu Amanawa, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has extended the deadline for intending 2026 Hajj pilgrims to complete their payments, offering them a new opportunity to finalize their Hajj fare.
This was announced by the Chairman of the Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, during a meeting with Assistant Hajj Registration Officers from the 23 Local Government Areas held at the agency’s headquarters.
According to a statement by the Head of Information and Communications, Faruk Umar, the new deadline is set for Friday, 12th December 2025.
Alhaji Musa urged all intending pilgrims who have paid deposits or wish to pay in full to take advantage of the extended window.
He also highlighted that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in line with new Saudi Arabian guidelines, has introduced reforms for the 2026 pilgrimage.
These include a digital boarding and group travel system in which every pilgrim’s ticket will be linked to their Nusuk card.
Each group of 45 pilgrims will travel, lodge, and return together under the same visa group, with no regrouping allowed after visa issuance. All travel data must be uploaded to the Nusuk Masar platform at least 72 hours before departure.
Additionally, a mandatory digital boarding card containing each pilgrim’s full travel and accommodation details will be issued prior to take-off. Pilgrims who fail to board after being ticketed will be considered no-shows and may incur penalties for the unused seat.
The chairman emphasized that these changes are aimed at ensuring a smooth, organized, and digitally-driven Hajj experience for all participants.