The Jigawa State Government has commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board announcing an initial deposit of ₦7.5 million for intending pilgrims seeking to participate in the exercise.
The board also cautioned prospective pilgrims to complete their registration promptly, revealing that the registration window will remain open for only 87 days.
The early commencement of the registration process follows lessons learnt from the 2026 Hajj operations and aligns with directives issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi Arabian authorities for improved planning and coordination.
The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ahmed Labbo, disclosed the development on Wednesday during a meeting with the board’s zonal officers drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state at the board’s headquarters in Dutse.
Labbo said the introduction of the ₦7.5 million initial deposit was intended to allow intending pilgrims to secure their slots early and minimise last-minute challenges.
“We have commenced the initial deposit of seven and a half million Naira for the 2027 Hajj exercise,” Labbo stated.
The Director-General stressed that prospective pilgrims must take advantage of the registration period because of the timeline established by Saudi authorities for the global Hajj exercise.
According to him, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has fixed September as the deadline for registration of intending pilgrims from across the world, leaving only 87 days for Nigerians to complete the necessary processes.
“The National Hajj and Umrah authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have set a closing date for registration in September for pilgrims worldwide,” he explained.
Labbo directed the board’s zonal officers to intensify awareness campaigns across all 27 local government areas to ensure residents are adequately informed about the registration exercise.
He urged the officers to ensure that all available Hajj slots allocated to the state are fully utilised before the deadline.
“Be vigilant, ensure all hajj seats are filled, and actively sensitise the public about completing their registration before the deadline,” the DG charged the officers.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Labbo explained that early registration and payment would enable the board to make timely arrangements for transportation, accommodation and feeding for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
“We expects intending pilgrims to register early, complete payments, and prepare ahead for a hitch-free 2027 pilgrimage,” Labbo emphasised.
The Director-General recalled that the 2026 Hajj exercise was affected by challenges arising from delayed payments and incomplete documentation by some pilgrims.
He said the board was determined to avoid a repeat of those experiences during the 2027 pilgrimage.
Labbo also commended Governor Umar Namadi for his continuous support to the Pilgrims Welfare Board, describing the governor’s commitment as a major factor behind the successful conduct of Hajj operations in the state.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Governor of Jigawa State, for the continuous maximum cooperation and support the board receives during every Hajj operation,” Labbo said.
