2026 Hajj: Lagos announces payment of ₦8.5m fare
2026 Hajj : Lagos announces deadline for payment of N8.5m fare
By Babatunde Aremu
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced November 2025 as the deadline for the payment of the N8.5 million initial deposit for the 2026 Hajj by intending pilgrims.
Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, announced this during a scheduled meeting with stakeholders in his office
According to a statement signed by the Board’s Deputy Director (Public Affairs), Taofeek Lawal , the Commissioner disclosed that the decision on the deadline was taken in compliance with the guidelines and calendar unveiled by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Layode added that the State would not take the guidelines for granted, hence the decision to start the operation early with the sale of form to intending pilgrims and complete necessary processes on or before the end of December.
While appreciating the stakeholders for their cooperation and support over the years, Layode urged them to work hard towards getting more intending pilgrims in order to actualise the 2,236 slots allocated to the State by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He also enjoined them to ensure that their pilgrims are in good health when registering them for the spiritual exercise so as to avoid health related casualties whilst in the holy land.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, who doubles as the Chairman of the CWC on 2025 Hajj, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, said that the stakeholders had greatly contributed to the successes recorded by the State in Hajj and Umrah operations over the years.
Jebe urged them not to relent in their efforts at marketing the “Lagos brand” to potential intending pilgrims but continue to bring more patronage to the state, promising that their efforts would not be in vain.
The Board Secretary, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, stated that as formidable partners, the State Government has absolute confidence in them to deliver and add value to the much expected success in the 2026 Hajj and Umrah operations more than before, appealing to them to always abide by the guidelines of the Saudi authorities and NAHCON.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the stakeholders, Alhaji Rabiu Olowo, expressed his appreciation to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Home Affairs; Special Adviser on Islamic Matters, Board Secretary, and members of staff for providing them a conducive atmosphere to contribute their quota to the successes of Hajj and Umrah operations.
Olowo pledged on behalf of his members to continue to improve in their efforts in bringing more intending pilgrims to patronise the State for spiritually fulfilling and rewarding pilgrimages.
In a related development, Ajomagberin recently led his management team on a courtesy visit to a very important stakeholder and sponsor, Alhaji Libari Oseni, in his Lagos home.
The purpose of the visit was to formally appreciate him for sponsoring a substantial number of pilgrims to the last Hajj exercise. While the visit lasted, prayers were offered for him while his support in sponsoring more pilgrims for the year 2026
