Press Release
Chairman Directs Early Registration, Strict Compliance with Guidelines
The Board of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has held a meeting to review and strengthen preparations for the 2027 Hajj operation, with particular emphasis on early registration, payment procedures, documentation and compliance with the registration timeline issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, who outlined key guidelines aimed at ensuring a smooth, transparent and well-coordinated registration process for intending pilgrims from Sokoto State.
In his address, the Chairman said the Agency had fixed Seven Million Six Hundred and Ninety Six Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira and Sixty Seven Kobo only (₦7,696,769,67) as deposit for intending pilgrims seeking to participate in the 2027 Hajj exercise.
He stressed that all intending pilgrims must adhere strictly to the approved registration procedures and ensure that their payments are made only through the official accounts of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
Alhaji Aliyu Musa warned that the Agency would not accept cash payments or registration through proxies, agents or intermediaries, urging intending pilgrims to obtain official receipts for every payment made.
He further explained that the final Hajj fare would be communicated to intending pilgrims after NAHCON announces the officially approved fare for the 2027 Hajj.
KEY REGISTRATION DATES
The Chairman informed the meeting that, in line with the timeline issued by the Saudi authorities and NAHCON, the following key dates would guide the 2027 Hajj preparations:
– July 29, 2026: Agreements for Mina tents, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transportation and catering opened on the Masar Nusuk platform.
– August 14, 2026: Uploading of intending pilgrims’ data to the Masar Nusuk platform is scheduled to commence.
– September 26, 2026: Deadline for Hajj registration, as stipulated by NAHCON.
– November 8, 2026: Deadline for concluding airlift agreements.
The Chairman emphasised that the September 26, 2026 registration deadline must be strictly observed, noting that no registration would be accepted after the stipulated deadline.
He therefore urged intending pilgrims to complete their registration and payment requirements as early as possible to avoid last-minute challenges or losing the opportunity to participate in the 2027 Hajj.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The Agency also outlined the documents that every intending pilgrim must provide during registration. These include:
- A valid International Passport with validity extending to at least October 2027.
- Photocopy of the National Identification Number (NIN) slip.
- Four recent coloured passport photographs.
- Photocopy of the guarantor’s Identity Card.
- One passport photograph of the guarantor.
- Valid contact details of the guarantor.
Intending pilgrims were advised to ensure that all information and documents submitted are accurate, complete and valid to facilitate proper screening and processing.
UNIFORM REGISTRATION TIMELINE
The Chairman noted that NAHCON had directed all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions to operate within a uniform registration timeline.
He said the directive was designed to ensure proper coordination among the states and allow sufficient time for the completion of various Hajj arrangements within the deadlines set by the Saudi authorities.
He urged intending pilgrims not to wait until the final days before registering, recalling the challenges associated with late registration during the 2026 Hajj exercise.
WHERE TO REGISTER
Intending pilgrims from Sokoto State can register at the following designated centres:
– Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency Headquarters
– Designated Local Government Hajj Registration Centres
The Chairman further advised intending pilgrims to make payments only through officially designated channels, collect and preserve their payment receipts, and ensure that all required documents are submitted at the point of registration.
He assured the people of Sokoto State that the Agency would continue to work closely with NAHCON and other relevant authorities to ensure effective planning and a successful 2027 Hajj operation.
The Board also called on intending pilgrims to seek clarification directly from the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency or designated Hajj registration centres whenever they require further information, rather than relying on unofficial sources.
The Agency reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and efficient service delivery throughout the 2027 Hajj preparations.
Signed:
Faruku Umar
Head of Information and Communications
Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency
