By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu, Gombe
The Gombe State Muslims Welfare Board on Thursday held its first major meeting since the conclusion of the 2025 Hajj exercise.
The meeting, presided over by the Chairman of the Board and Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Abdulkadir Haruna-Rasheed, was attended by nearly all board members.
Briefing journalists after the deliberations, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Saadu Hassan, said the main agenda was to review the comprehensive report of the 2025 Hajj operations.
According to him, the board carefully assessed the successes and challenges recorded during the exercise before approving the report.
He stressed that preparations for the 2026 Hajj must commence without delay, noting that early deposits by intending pilgrims are crucial.
“The Saudi calendar indicates that payment for Masha’ir (services for Hajj rites in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa) is scheduled for 4th January 2026. This means that before that date, all states in Nigeria must make their payments and confirm the exact number of pilgrims they will present,” Saadu explained.
Describing the deadline as a major challenge for both state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Executive Secretary urged intending pilgrims to begin their deposits immediately.
He added that payments can be made through Local Government Hajj Officers or Ja’iz Bank, both officially recognised by the board.
Reflecting on challenges during the 2025 Hajj, Saadu pointed out the difficulties pilgrims faced in Medina, particularly with entry into the Raudah section of the Prophet’s Mosque.
He reminded intending pilgrims that while the Raudah is revered, it is not compulsory for Hajj or Umrah rituals.
“The Prophet’s Mosque, his tomb, the Baqi’a graveyard, the Quba Mosque, and the Shuhadā’ graveyard at Uhud are the five key recognized sites of visitation. People should focus on these rather than overstressing themselves about Raudah entry,” he advised.
He said the board would intensify religious orientation and sensitization campaigns to ensure pilgrims enjoy a more peaceful spiritual journey.
The meeting also deliberated on strengthening collaboration with Saudi authorities in the areas of accommodation, feeding, and transportation.
On Hajj fares, Saadu expressed hope that the 2026 cost would be lower than that of 2025, considering the economic challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims.
However, he clarified that NAHCON has directed all intending pilgrims to begin deposits based on last year’s benchmark of over ₦8 million per pilgrim, pending final adjustments.
“We pray the cost reduces, but as it stands, every intending pilgrim must start saving and depositing as if the fare will remain the same. That is the safest way to avoid disappointment,” he explained.
The Board also resolved to intensify grassroots sensitisation across all local governments in the state to ensure intending pilgrims are aware of the new timelines.
Saadu further expressed appreciation to Governor MuhammaduYahaya for his consistent support of the board and the entire Hajj operations.
“Without the Governor’s intervention and encouragement, many of the successes we recorded during the 2025 Hajj would not have been possible,” he said.
