Gombe Pilgrims Board Records Over N1 Billion Deposits for 2027 Hajj
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has recorded more than N1 billion in deposits from intending pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj exercise following the commencement of registration by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Speaking on the ongoing preparations, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Malam Sa’adu Hassan, clarified that the minimum initial deposit of N4 million was set by NAHCON and not by the state board.
He said the Board had already publicized the directive and received an encouraging response from intending pilgrims across the state.
According to him, a substantial number of intending pilgrims have already made payments, pushing total deposits beyond the N1 billion so far.
He disclosed that efforts are underway to transfer the funds to NAHCON’s account with the Central Bank of Nigeria in line with the commission’s guidelines.
The Executive Secretary urged intending pilgrims to take advantage of the registration window, noting that the deadline set by NAHCON runs from June to September 26, 2026.
He explained that competition for available slots remains high, particularly because some pilgrims who were unable to perform the 2026 Hajj still have their deposits with the Board.
He encouraged interested pilgrims to make their payments through their respective Local Government Areas (LGAs), Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, or directly at the Board’s headquarters.
He noted that Taj Bank continues to provide access through the Hajj Savings Scheme.
On whether the early preparations could lead to an increase in Nigeria’s Hajj quota, the Board Malam Hassan said the initiative may not necessarily result in additional slots but has significantly improved planning and coordination.
He described the 2026 Hajj operation as one of the most organized in recent years, attributing the success to timely preparations by NAHCON and other stakeholders.
Expressing optimism about Gombe’s participation in the 2027 pilgrimage, he said the state hopes to surpass 2,000 pilgrims and prayed for an even higher turnout.
