Jigawa begins 2027 Hajj registration, sets N7.5m initial deposit

The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj, announcing an initial deposit of N7.5 million for intending pilgrims.

The board also disclosed that prospective pilgrims have 87 days to complete their registration, warning that the registration window will close once the deadline expires.

The early announcement marks the beginning of arrangements for the 2027 pilgrimage and is aimed at ensuring a smoother planning process after experiences from the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The board urged interested residents to take advantage of the registration period by making the required initial deposit and completing the necessary documentation before the deadline.

It also aligns with directives from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, and the Saudi authorities, who are pushing for faster and more organised planning ahead of time.

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 the board’s headquarters in Dutse.

Labbo said the board has inaugurated the N7.5 million initial deposit to enable intending pilgrims to secure their seats early and avoid last-minute rush.

“We have commenced the initial deposit of seven and a half million Naira for the 2027 Hajj exercise,” Labbo stated.

However, the DG stressed the urgency of the timeline given by Saudi Arabia for speedy preparation of the Hajj exercise.

According to him, only 87 days remain for registration because 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 explained, urging residents to act quickly.

Labbo directed the zonal officers of the board to step up mobilisation across all 27 LGAs.

The DG called on the Z.Os to ensure every allocated seat is filled and that communities are fully sensitised before the deadline arrives.

“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 our correspondent shortly after the meeting, Labbo said early deposit and registration will help the board plan better logistics, accommodation, and feeding in the Holy Land.

“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 came with challenges of late payments and incomplete documentation, saying that, “The board is determined not to repeat the same mistakes in 2027.”

The DG also praised Governor Umar Namadi for backing the board at every stage, adding that “the governor’s support has been key to smooth Hajj operations in Jigawa over the years.”

“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.

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