ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Jigawa State has commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj, with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board announcing an initial deposit of N7.5 million for intending pilgrims.
The board also warned that the registration window will close in 87 days.
The early commencement of preparations follows lessons from the 2026 Hajj exercise and aligns with directives from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the Saudi authorities for earlier and better-coordinated planning.
The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ahmed Labbo, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with the board’s zonal officers from the 27 local government areas at its headquarters in Dutse.
Labbo said the board had introduced the N7.5 million initial deposit to enable intending pilgrims to secure their slots early and avoid last-minute rush.
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“We have commenced the initial deposit of seven and a half million Naira for the 2027 Hajj exercise,” Labbo stated.
The director-general, however, stressed the need for intending pilgrims to register promptly, citing the timeline set by the Saudi authorities for Hajj preparations.
According to him, only 87 days remain for registration, as the Kingdom has fixed September as the global deadline for all intending pilgrims.
“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 said, urging residents to complete their registration without delay.
Labbo directed the board’s zonal officers to intensify mobilisation efforts across all 27 local government areas.
He urged them to ensure all allocated Hajj slots are filled and that prospective pilgrims are adequately sensitised 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 said early payment and registration would enable the board to make adequate arrangements for logistics, accommodation and feeding in Saudi Arabia.
“We expects intending pilgrims to register early, complete payments, and prepare ahead for a hitch-free 2027 pilgrimage”, Labbo emphasised.
He recalled that the 2026 Hajj exercise was affected by late payments and incomplete documentation, stressing that “The board is determined not to repeat the same mistakes in 2027.”
Labbo also commended Governor Umar Namadi for his continued support for the board, describing it as instrumental to the smooth 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.