Seven Northern States Officially Open 2027 Hajj Registration, Announce Initial Deposits
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
At least seven northern states have commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj by opening registration for intending pilgrims and announcing provisional initial deposit requirements ahead of Saudi Arabia’s registration deadline.
The early exercise follows the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s directive requiring participating countries to complete pilgrim registration within a limited global window expected to close around September 2026.
The timeline has prompted State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to mobilize prospective pilgrims early to secure Nigeria’s allotted Hajj quota.
Among the states, the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board fixed its initial deposit at N8.4 million and adopted a strict first-come, first-served policy to speed up remittances to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board announced N7.7 million as its provisional deposit and set September 20, 2026, as its registration deadline while making medical and mental fitness mandatory for intending pilgrims.
Seven Northern States Officially Open 2027 Hajj Registration, Announce Initial Deposits
Jigawa State fixed its deposit at N7.5 million, warning pilgrims that they have less than 90 days to register before Saudi Arabia’s automated portal closes.
The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board approved a N7 million provisional deposit, while both Adamawa and Kebbi states fixed their initial deposits at N5 million.
Kebbi also announced July 30, 2026, as its registration deadline to ensure timely remittance and protect the state’s quota allocation.
Meanwhile, the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board retained a minimum initial deposit of N4 million and disclosed that it has already received more than N2 billion from early registrants.
The boards also directed intending pilgrims to pay only through designated commercial bank accounts using bank drafts to prevent fraud.
They further required applicants to present valid international passports and National Identification Numbers (NIN) during registration to facilitate immediate processing on the Saudi Hajj portal.
The early registration drive reflects Nigeria’s efforts to meet Saudi Arabia’s stricter Hajj planning schedule for the 2027 pilgrimage.
