The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has launched early preparations for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, urging prospective pilgrims across the country to make an initial deposit of N5 million to secure their participation in the spiritual journey.

In a statement, the commission said the advance payment scheme is aimed at helping intending pilgrims spread the cost of the pilgrimage over time while enabling authorities to make timely arrangements for accommodation, transportation and other essential services.

NAHCON also announced the commencement of advance savings for the 2028, 2029 and 2030 Hajj exercises, encouraging Muslims planning future pilgrimages to begin making financial commitments through their respective State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, or approved Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) banks.

According to the commission, the initiative is designed to reduce the financial pressure often associated with Hajj payments and improve operational planning.

“The advance deposit programme allows intending pilgrims to gradually save for Hajj while enhancing the ability of NAHCON and state pilgrim boards to secure quality services early and ensure seamless pilgrimage operations,” the statement said.

Kwara, Taraba Warn Pilgrims Against Delays

As preparations gather momentum, the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards in Kwara and Taraba states have warned intending pilgrims to complete all payments and documentation before September 26, 2026, the deadline jointly set by NAHCON and Saudi Arabian authorities.

Speaking in Ilorin on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, stressed that late payments or incomplete documentation could jeopardise visa processing and ultimately prevent intending pilgrims from participating in the 2027 Hajj.

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He noted that previous Hajj operations were affected by delays from some applicants, leading to visa complications and, in certain cases, requests for refunds after pilgrims missed critical deadlines.

In Taraba State, the Acting Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Tanko, disclosed that intending pilgrims in the state are required to make an initial deposit of N7 million.

Tanko revealed that the board has concluded arrangements for a statewide awareness campaign aimed at educating prospective pilgrims on new regulations and guidelines introduced by Saudi authorities for future Hajj operations.

He urged intending pilgrims to take advantage of the early payment window to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure the board meets all deadlines imposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Taraba official reaffirmed the board’s commitment to a smooth and successful pilgrimage exercise, recalling that 714 pilgrims from the state performed the 2026 Hajj. He, however, noted that the exercise recorded a tragic incident, with one pilgrim losing his life and another suffering the loss of a hand in a road accident before departure.

With the countdown to the 2027 pilgrimage already underway, authorities say early compliance with payment and documentation requirements will be crucial to avoiding the setbacks that have affected some pilgrims in previous years.