By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu, Gombe
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has called on all intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to begin depositing their funds immediately, ahead of the official announcement of the final fare in October.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Saadu Hassan, made the appeal while briefing Local Government Hajj Officers in his office last Thursday. He disclosed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had allocated 1,631 seats to Gombe State for the forthcoming pilgrimage.
“The collection of deposits will begin immediately and will close on October 5, 2025,” Alhaji Hassan said. “We urge all intending pilgrims to pay on time so that preparations can be made smoothly, in line with the directives of the Saudi authorities.”
He explained that NAHCON had fixed the initial deposit for the 2026 Hajj at ₦8,400,000 (Eight Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira). While the final fare will be announced in October, he noted that early deposits are crucial to ensuring seamless arrangements.
The Executive Secretary emphasized that payments must only be made through Local Government Hajj Officers, Ja’iz Bank, or the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
According to him, early deposits will enable the Board to secure accommodation, transportation, and feeding arrangements well in advance. He stressed that preparations for the Hajj must strictly comply with timelines set by the Saudi authorities, which can only be achieved through prompt contributions by intending pilgrims.
Alhaji Hassan assured pilgrims that the Board remains committed to accountability and transparency in handling all deposits. He further noted that early preparations would allow both the Board and NAHCON to negotiate better services in Saudi Arabia, ultimately improving the welfare and comfort of pilgrims from Gombe State.
“Our intention is to make the journey as comfortable and spiritually fulfilling as possible,” he said. “This can only be achieved when pilgrims support the process by paying their deposits on time.”
The Executive Secretary also appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to assist in mobilizing and sensitizing prospective pilgrims on the importance of meeting the payment schedule.
He praised the cooperation shown by pilgrims in previous years and expressed optimism that Gombe would continue its tradition of successful Hajj operations.
“Gombe State has always stood out in Hajj organization and performance. We want to sustain that reputation in 2026 with the support of our pilgrims,” he said.
Alhaji Hassan emphasized that the Board would work closely with both NAHCON and the Saudi authorities to ensure that all logistics are properly put in place ahead of the holy journey.
He highlighted medical care, accommodation, feeding, and transportation as top priorities for the Board, assuring intending pilgrims that no effort would be spared to make the 2026 Hajj smooth and stress-free.
In his final remarks, the Executive Secretary prayed for Allah’s blessings upon all intending pilgrims and urged them to prepare not only financially but also spiritually for the sacred exercise.
“Our message is simple: pay early, prepare early, and let us work together for a successful Hajj,” he concluded.
