The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has begun comprehensive preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise, with seat sales to intending pilgrims already in progress across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Speaking to journalists at the Agency’s headquarters in Sokoto on Thursday, Chairman Mallam Aliyu Musa revealed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has allocated 5,059 slots to the state for the 2026 pilgrimage.
He added that the Agency has started engaging key stakeholders to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated operation ahead of the annual religious exercise.
“As part of our preparations, we have invited major stakeholders in the Hajj operations — including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria — to discuss areas of collaboration and operational synergy,” he said.
Musa also revealed that all local government chairmen, who are directly responsible for coordinating intending pilgrims in their respective councils, have been briefed and allocated seats according to NAHCON’s distribution.
“They have since commenced sales of forms and registration of intending pilgrims. We are optimistic that all councils will meet the December 25th deadline we have set for payment and registration,” he stated.
He said the official Hajj fare for 2026 has been pegged at ₦8,244,000, though there are ongoing consultations between the Federal Government and NAHCON to possibly review the fare downward.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown concern about the current cost, and efforts are being made to reduce it. I have been invited to Abuja next week to attend a meeting where the final Hajj fare will be reviewed,” he added.
The chairman further stressed the Agency’s resolve to maintain its enviable record of excellence achieved during the 2024 and 2025 Hajj operations, when Sokoto State was recognised by Saudi authorities for outstanding organisation and discipline.
“We were awarded by the Saudi government for having one of the best results in the last Hajj. This year, we intend to sustain that standard through diligence and teamwork,” he said.
Musa also warned registration officers against enrolling foreigners or individuals with questionable backgrounds, citing concerns raised over fraudulent activities in some neighbouring states.“We have strengthened collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Immigration Service to ensure that only qualified and bona fide Nigerian Muslims are registered. We will not tolerate any attempt to manipulate the process,” he declared.
He reiterated that the final deadline for Hajj registration and remittances remains December 25th, 2025, while the Saudi Arabian authorities have set December 30th as the global cut-off date.
The chairman, while appreciating Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto for his continuous support to the Agency, assured that the welfare, safety, and comfort of pilgrims remain the top priority.
“We are determined to make the 2026 Hajj another success story for Sokoto State, and with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we will achieve that,” he said.
