The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed September 26, 2026, as the deadline for intending pilgrims to complete payments and documentation for the 2027 Hajj.
The Board warned that anyone who fails to meet the payment and documentation deadline risks delays in visa processing or possible exclusion from the 2027 Hajj, urging prospective pilgrims to act without delay.
Speaking on Thursday, the board’s Executive Secretary, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, explained that early compliance would help ensure a smooth pilgrimage process and prevent avoidable setbacks that had affected intending pilgrims in previous years.
Addressing journalists in Ilorin, Abdulkadir said the Saudi Arabian authorities had fixed September 26, 2026, as the final date for completing payments and documentation for the 2027 Hajj.
“We strongly encourage all intending pilgrims to complete their payments and submit the required documents well before the deadline.
“Waiting until the last minute could create unnecessary difficulties and affect participation in the pilgrimage,” he said.
He recalled that during previous Hajj exercises, some prospective pilgrims failed to complete the required processes on time.
This, he said, resulted in delayed visa approvals, while others had to seek refunds after missing the deadline.
According to him, the board has already begun preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage, with plans focused on improving services for pilgrims from the state.
He said authorities were working to provide better accommodation, strengthen welfare support and enhance the overall coordination of the annual pilgrimage.
“We are committed to improving on the gains recorded during the last Hajj exercise.
“Our goal is to ensure a more comfortable and well-coordinated pilgrimage experience for every pilgrim from Kwara State,” Abdulkadir stated.
He also disclosed that arrangements were underway for an early airlift programme, adding that aircraft capable of carrying more than 200 passengers would be deployed to make the transportation process more efficient.
The executive secretary urged intending pilgrims to remain patient throughout the process, comply with all official requirements and approach the religious obligation with sincerity.
“Pilgrims should follow every guideline, complete the necessary procedures promptly and prepare spiritually for the journey,” he added.
Abdulkadir also dismissed claims that pilgrims received different Personal Travelling Allowances during the 2024 Hajj exercise.
He clarified that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria approved 400 US dollars for each pilgrim, while the additional 100 US dollars received by some beneficiaries was a personal donation from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during the farewell ceremony.
“The 400 dollars was the official Personal Travelling Allowance approved by NAHCON.
“The extra 100 dollars came from the governor as a personal gesture and was not part of the commission’s approved allowance,” he explained.
The Guild reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria works with state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards to coordinate Nigeria’s annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities continue to enforce stricter timelines for payments, documentation and visa processing to improve planning and logistics.