Sokoto Begins 2026 Hajj Preparations, Sets Registration Deadline

The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has commenced preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The agency has commenced the sale of seats to intending pilgrims across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Chairman of the Agency, Mallam Aliyu Musa, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the Agency’s headquarters on Thursday, said the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had allocated 5,059 seats to Sokoto State for next year’s pilgrimage.

According to him, the Agency has already started engaging key stakeholders to ensure a seamless operation and uphold Sokoto’s record of excellence in Hajj management.

“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 explained.

Musa revealed that all local government chairmen, who serve as the primary coordinators of intending pilgrims within their councils, had been briefed and assigned seat quotas in line with NAHCON’s allocation.

“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 said.

The chairman stated that the official Hajj fare for 2026 has been pegged at ₦8,244,000, but hinted that the Federal Government, in collaboration with NAHCON, is working to review the fare downward in response to economic realities.

“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.

Musa reaffirmed the Agency’s determination to sustain the high standards that earned Sokoto State recognition from Saudi authorities during the 2024 and 2025 Hajj operations for its 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.

On security and integrity of the registration process, the chairman issued a stern warning to registration officers against enlisting foreigners or individuals with questionable identities, while citing reports of fraudulent practices 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 stated.

Musa reiterated that December 25, 2025, remains the final deadline for Hajj registration and remittances, while the Saudi Arabian authorities have fixed December 30 as the global cut-off date.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto for his continuous support to the Agency, and assured that pilgrims’ welfare, safety, and comfort remain top priorities.

“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.