From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Pilgrims Commission has announced an initial deposit of ₦7.5 million for intending pilgrims wishing to perform the 2027 Hajj.
The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Mai Aliyu Usman, disclosed this during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Damaturu.
He said only three months remain before the close of registration for the 2027 Hajj exercise, in line with directives from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the authorities in the Saudi Arabia, which have fixed September 2026 as the deadline for the registration of intending pilgrims worldwide.
According to the chairman, all payments for the 2027 Hajj must be made through approved channels, stressing that cash deposits will not be accepted under any circumstances. He said payments should only be processed through designated desk officers at the commission’s headquarters and authorised Hajj fare collectors in the local government areas.
He warned members of the public against giving money to individuals who are not staff of the commission with the promise of facilitating their pilgrimage, noting that anyone found engaging in such illegal activities would face appropriate legal sanctions.
Mai Aliyu also explained that the final fare for the 2027 Hajj may differ from that of the 2026 exercise, urging intending pilgrims to await the official fare to be announced by the Saudi authorities later this year.
He further advised intending pilgrims whose international passports are nearing expiration to renew them promptly to avoid delays in visa processing.
The chairman also directed zonal officers to remain vigilant, ensure that all Hajj slots are filled, and intensify public sensitisation to encourage intending pilgrims to complete their registration before the deadline.
He expressed appreciation to Mai Mala Buni for his continued support and cooperation, which he said has contributed significantly to the commission’s successful Hajj operations over the years.