The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that the state has been allotted 1,631 slots for the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The board’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Saadu Hassan, revealed this during a press briefing on Thursday.
He urged prospective pilgrims to start making their deposits without delay, in preparation for the official announcement of the final Hajj fare expected in October.
“The collection of deposits will begin immediately and will close on October 5, 2025. We urge all intending pilgrims to pay on time so that preparations can be made smoothly, in line with the directives of the Saudi authorities”, he said.
Hassan added that the allocation was made by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the upcoming pilgrimage.
He explained that NAHCON had fixed the initial deposit for the 2026 hajj at ₦8.4 million, adding that the final fare would be announced in October.
He noted that early deposits were crucial to ensuring seamless arrangements.
The executive secretary emphasised that payments must only be made through Local Government Hajj Officers, Ja’iz Bank, and the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
According to him, early deposits would enable the board to secure accommodation, transportation, and feeding arrangements well in advance.
He added that preparations for the Hajj must strictly comply with timelines set by the Saudi authorities, “which can only be achieved through prompt contributions by intending pilgrims”.
