By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Pilgrims Commission has commenced registration for the 2027 Hajj exercise, announcing an initial deposit of N7.5 million for intending pilgrims.
The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Mai Aliyu Usman, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Damaturu, recently.
He said intending pilgrims have only three months to complete their registration, following directives from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which have fixed September 2026 as the deadline for Hajj registration worldwide.
According to the chairman, all payments must be made through approved channels, stressing that cash deposits outside the designated system will not be accepted.
He explained that payments should only be processed through designated desk officers at the Commission’s headquarters and authorised Hajj fare collectors in the local government areas.
Mai Aliyu warned members of the public against entrusting their money to individuals who are not officials of the Commission, promising to facilitate Hajj arrangements.
He cautioned that anyone found engaging in such illegal activities would face appropriate legal sanctions.
He further noted that the final fare for the 2027 Hajj may differ from that of the 2026 exercise, urging intending pilgrims to await the official announcement by the Saudi authorities later in the year.
The chairman also advised pilgrims whose international passports are nearing expiration to renew them immediately to avoid delays in visa processing.
He urged the Commission’s zonal officers to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, remain vigilant, and ensure that all available Hajj slots are filled before the registration deadline.
Mai Aliyu expressed appreciation to the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, CON, for his continued support and commitment to the activities of the Yobe State Pilgrims Commission, which he said has contributed significantly to the success of Hajj operations in the state.