The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has urged intending pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj to complete their payments and documentation before September 26, 2026, in line with the deadline set by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, gave the advice on Thursday in Ilorin.
Abdulkadir warned that delays in payment or documentation could jeopardise visa processing and prevent intending pilgrims from participating in next year’s Hajj.
He noted that during previous Hajj exercises, some prospective pilgrims failed to meet the requirements on time, forcing some to seek refunds while others experienced delays in obtaining their visas.
“The Saudi Arabian authorities have fixed September 26, 2026, as the deadline for payment and documentation for the 2027 Hajj. We therefore urge all intending pilgrims to complete the process early and avoid unnecessary delays.
“Late payment and improper documentation usually create challenges. In some cases, intending pilgrims have had to receive refunds because they could not meet the requirements, while others experienced delays in visa processing,” he said.
Abdulkadir assured intending pilgrims that the Board was working to improve on the successes recorded during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
According to him, efforts are being made to provide better accommodation, improve welfare services and strengthen the overall coordination of the pilgrimage for pilgrims from the state.
“We are determined to build on the achievements of the 2026 Hajj. Our priority is to provide better accommodation, improved welfare services and a seamless experience for pilgrims from Kwara State,” he said.
He also disclosed that preparations for the 2027 Hajj had already commenced, including plans for early airlift operations using aircraft with a capacity of more than 200 passengers to ensure a smoother exercise.
Abdulkadir advised intending pilgrims to remain patient, comply with all required procedures and approach the pilgrimage with sincerity.
“Pilgrims should be patient, comply with all necessary procedures and maintain good intentions as they prepare for this important religious obligation,” he said.
He also addressed claims that pilgrims received different Personal Travelling Allowances during the 2024 Hajj exercise.
According to him, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) approved and paid $400 to each pilgrim, while the additional $100 received by some beneficiaries was a personal donation from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq during the farewell ceremony.
“The $400 was the approved Personal Travelling Allowance paid by NAHCON. The extra $100 received by some pilgrims was a donation from Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and should not be mistaken as part of the official allowance,” Abdulkadir explained.
He added that the Board would continue to work with NAHCON to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage for pilgrims from Kwara State.