The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has closed payment for 2026 Hajj fares, with 2,235 prospective pilgrims registered across 23 local government areas.
The Chairman of the Agency, Aliyu Musa, stated this in an interview with journalists in his office in Sokoto State.
He said the closure was in line with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)’s deadline of December 5, 2025, for completing Hajj fare payments nationwide.
According to him, closing payments allows the agency to finalise arrangements for the successful conduct of the exercise.
Musa noted that preparations were at an advanced stage to ensure smooth operations in both Sokoto and Saudi Arabia.
He also revealed that NAHCON had released the schedule for the 2026 Hajj operations, with the inaugural flight from Nigeria set for May 3, 2026, during which Sokoto State is expected to feature prominently.
The Chairman cautioned intending pilgrims to familiarise themselves with the new guidelines issued by NAHCON and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
He warned pilgrims against carrying banned items, including kola nuts and cigarettes, noting that some offenders from previous exercises are currently serving jail terms in Saudi Arabia.
Aliyu Musa urged intending pilgrims to be law-abiding and conduct themselves with dignity both at home and in the Holy Land.
He expressed the Agency’s gratitude to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his consistent support and reaffirmed Sokoto State’s commitment to maintaining its leading position in the organisation, conduct, and number of pilgrims nationwide.
PIAK