The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has registered 2,758 intending pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj, with the figure representing the full allocation approved for the state.
The Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, disclosed this at a meeting with the 23 Assistant Hajj Registration Officers from the state’s Local Government Areas in Sokoto.
Alhaji Musa said the agency completed the registration within the stipulated period, in compliance with the guidelines and deadlines issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi Arabian authorities.
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He commended the registration officers for their commitment and prompt response, urging them to sustain transparency, diligence and strict adherence to official Hajj procedures.
The development comes amid growing demand for the 2027 pilgrimage, as NAHCON recently announced that Saudi Arabia had declined Nigeria’s request for an increase in its allocation.
NAHCON said Nigeria’s approved 2027 allocation remains 50,000 pilgrims, comprising 35,000 slots for states and the Federal Capital Territory and 15,000 slots for licensed private Hajj tour operators.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, said more than 3,000 people had expressed interest in performing the 2027 Hajj through Sokoto State.
He explained that the state’s allocation of 2,758 slots meant that not all those who expressed interest could be accommodated.
According to him, the agency made efforts to secure additional slots from NAHCON but was unable to obtain an increase in the allocation.
Alhaji Umar advised intending pilgrims who deposited money but could not secure a 2027 slot to either roll over their deposits to the 2028 Hajj or request refunds through the respective Hajj Registration Officers where the payments were made.
He said those wishing to roll over their deposits should contact their respective local government registration officers, while those seeking refunds should follow the same channel through which their payments were made.
The Permanent Secretary assured intending pilgrims that the agency would continue to uphold transparency and fairness in the registration process while operating within the allocations and guidelines provided by the relevant authorities.
NAHCON had fixed Sept. 26, 2026, as the deadline for the completion of registration and uploading of intending pilgrims’ biometric data for the 2027 Hajj, in line with Saudi timelines.
The meeting was attended by management officials of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency and the 23 Assistant Hajj Registration Officers from the Local Government Areas.
