Bauchi Awaits Governor’s Approval to Begin 2027 Hajj Registration
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has concluded preparations to commence registration for the 2027 Hajj exercise and is awaiting approval from Governor Bala Mohammed to begin receiving payments from intending pilgrims.
Executive Secretary of the Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, disclosed this during an interview while highlighting the board’s readiness to launch the registration process ahead of the deadline announced by Saudi authorities.
According to him, the board has already completed reconciliation of activities and accounts relating to the 2026 Hajj operation, removing a major obstacle that often delays preparations for subsequent pilgrimages.
He revealed that the board recently submitted a memorandum to the state government seeking approval to officially open registration for prospective pilgrims.
“Since our return, we wrote a memo to the Executive Governor informing him that we are ready to begin receiving payments from pilgrims. Reconciliation was completed before our return because we knew there was limited time available,” he said.
Idris said the board will immediately announce and begin payments and registration across the state after securing the governor’s approval.
To ensure wider participation, he said the board plans to adopt a more aggressive awareness campaign than in previous years, with officials visiting rural markets regularly to educate residents on payment procedures and registration requirements.
The Executive Secretary disclosed that the board has proposed an initial deposit of N7 million for intending pilgrims, citing changes introduced by Saudi authorities, including the cancellation of Grade D accommodation for future Hajj operations.
He noted that accommodation categories will now range from Grades A to C, with higher standards expected across accommodation facilities and pilgrim services.
Idris also urged intending pilgrims to make their payments early once registration opens, warning that delays could create challenges in securing adequate slots.
He said timely payments would enable the board to plan effectively and avoid the pressure associated with seeking additional allocations close to the deadline.
