Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board announces December 21st as deadline for 2026 Hajj Payment

By Aliyu Adamu Faggo

The Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed 21st December, 2025, as the deadline for payments ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, made this known in Bauchi, adding that the decision follows new directives from the Saudi Arabian Hajj Commission.

He said the move is to ensure that all travel arrangements are completed early, before the commencement of the Ramadan fast, in line with Saudi Arabia’s new Hajj calendar.

Iman Abdulrahman Idris urged intending pilgrims to make their deposits promptly at designated collection centers across the state to secure their slots for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

He revealed that the total Hajj fare stands at eight million, two hundred and forty-five thousand naira, adding that any intending pilgrim is required to pay a minimum deposit of four million naira to begin the process.

The Executive Secretary emphasized that the Board is working closely with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON to ensure a smooth and transparent payment process and assured that all deposits made by pilgrims would be properly documented and protected.

He also disclosed that arrangements are being made for early orientation and enlightenment programs to educate intending pilgrims on Hajj procedures, travel regulations, and spiritual preparation ahead of the journey.

Imam Abdulrahman further appealed to community leaders and religious scholars to assist in sensitizing members of the public about the importance of meeting the payment deadline, noting that delays could affect seat allocations and visa processing by Saudi authorities.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is expected to provide a subsidy to help ease the financial burden on pilgrims.