2027 Hajj: Edo Govt Reiterates August 25 Deadline for Passport Submission, September 25 for Final Payment
By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has reiterated August 25, 2026, as the deadline for submission of international passports and September 25, 2026, for payment of the final Hajj fare by intending pilgrims for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The Executive Secretary of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, stated this while speaking on KU FM, where he outlined the Board’s preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage.
Alhaji Eranga said registration for the 2027 Hajj had commenced, urging intending pilgrims to complete their registration and documentation early.
He disclosed that the final Hajj fare had been fixed at ₦7,882,822, explaining that pilgrims who had earlier paid the initial deposit of ₦7 million were expected to complete the outstanding balance on or before September 25.
“If you have paid the deposit of 7 million, kindly complete the payment before then.”
The Executive Secretary cautioned intending pilgrims against merely paying money into the Board’s account without completing the registration process.
“Some people will just credit the account of the Board without coming to do registration proper.”
He said the emphasis on early preparation was informed by the experience of the 2026 Hajj, when some intending pilgrims missed the exercise after failing to meet deadlines for payment and submission of travel documents.
According to him, Edo State was allocated 351 slots for the 2026 Hajj, but only 93 pilgrims eventually made the journey.
“Last time, so many people missed the exercise because they thought it was business as usual. Some persons paid but they did not bring their passport before the deadline. They were not able to make it, while some people did not pay on time.”
Alhaji Eranga said the Board had consequently strengthened its preparations for 2027, including sensitisation programmes across the three senatorial districts, verification and documentation exercises, medical screening and religious orientation.
He said the Board would pay particular attention to pilgrims’ physical fitness and conduct comprehensive medical assessments, adding that female pilgrims would undergo pregnancy screening.
On religious guidance, he disclosed that Ulamas would accompany the pilgrims during the exercise.
“Inshaa Allah, this year, we will be taking Ulamas along to always guide them through.”
He also said the Board was preparing for a pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia to facilitate early arrangements for accommodation and catering services.
He added that accommodation, feeding, transportation and general welfare would receive particular attention, with plans to provide local delicacies for Edo Pilgrims as always.
The Executive Secretary commended the conduct of Edo pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj, describing them as among the best groups the state has had under the present administration.
He urged all intending pilgrims to take the deadlines seriously and complete their registration, passport submission and payment requirements within the stipulated period.
