Lagos sets November as deadline for 2026 Hajj fare payments

The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that November 2025 is the final date for making the N8.5 million initial deposit required for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage for those wishing to perform the holy journey to Saudi Arabia.

Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, made this announcement during a meeting with stakeholders at the Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Layode explained that establishing the deadline aligns with the guidelines issued by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. He emphasized the importance of adhering to these guidelines and stated that operations would commence early, including the sale of forms to prospective pilgrims and completing the necessary procedures by the end of December.

He expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for their ongoing cooperation and support and encouraged them to work diligently to attract more pilgrims in order to fill the 2,236 slots allocated to Lagos by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Additionally, he stressed the importance of ensuring all pilgrims are in good health at the time of registration to prevent health issues during the pilgrimage.

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Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the CWC for the 2025 Hajj, also spoke at the meeting, highlighting the significant contributions stakeholders have made to the State’s success in Hajj and Umrah operations. He urged them to persist in promoting the ‘Lagos brand’ to prospective pilgrims, assuring them that their efforts would be rewarded.

Board Secretary Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin expressed his confidence in the stakeholders as key partners and encouraged adherence to the Saudi authorities’ and NAHCON’s guidelines to ensure the success of the 2026 Hajj and Umrah operations.

Chairman of the stakeholders, Alhaji Rabiu Olowo, conveyed his appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Hon. Layode, Dr. Jebe, Mr. Ajomagberin, and the staff for fostering an environment conducive to the success of Hajj and Umrah activities. He assured that his members would continue to enhance their efforts in attracting more intending pilgrims to the State for a spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience.