Pilgrims from Lagos State intending to participate in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage have been given a firm deadline of November 2025 to pay the initial deposit of ₦8.5 million. The announcement was made by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in response to the early calendar set by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Speaking at a recent meeting with stakeholders, Commissioner for Home Affairs Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode emphasised the importance of initiating the process early. “The state will not take the guidelines for granted,” he said, explaining the decision to begin sales of registration forms immediately to complete all necessary procedures by the end of December.

Lagos has been allocated 2,236 slots for the 2026 Hajj by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Layode urged stakeholders to work diligently to fill this quota and also to ensure that all registered pilgrims are in good health to avoid complications in Saudi Arabia.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, praised the stakeholders for their crucial role in the state’s Hajj and Umrah operations. He encouraged them to continue promoting the “Lagos brand” to prospective pilgrims.

The Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, expressed confidence in the stakeholders’ ability to deliver a successful Hajj and Umrah season. He also reminded them to adhere to the guidelines set by both Saudi and NAHCON authorities.

In a related event, Ajomagberin led a delegation to visit Alhaji Libari Oseni, a key sponsor who funded a significant number of pilgrims for the last Hajj. The visit was intended to express appreciation and solicit continued support for the upcoming 2026 pilgrimage. Alhaji Oseni promised to continue his patronage of the board for future pilgrimages.