The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed November 2025 as the deadline for intending pilgrims to pay the N8.5 million initial deposit for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Layode, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
According to him, the decision aligns with the guidelines and calendar released by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which require states to commence preparations early.
Layode stressed that Lagos would not take the directives lightly, hence the decision to open sales of forms ahead of schedule and complete all necessary processes before December.
He also urged stakeholders to mobilize more participants to ensure the state meets its 2,236-slot allocation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Commissioner further advised stakeholders to prioritize the health of intending pilgrims before registration to reduce the risk of medical emergencies during the pilgrimage.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2025 Hajj Committee, Dr. Ahmad Jebe, praised stakeholders for their contributions over the years.
He encouraged them to continue marketing the “Lagos brand” of pilgrimage services to ensure more patronage, promising that their efforts would be rewarded.
Also addressing the meeting, the Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, reaffirmed the government’s confidence in the stakeholders’ ability to deliver. He appealed to them to strictly follow Saudi and NAHCON guidelines to guarantee a smooth and successful operation.
The Chairman of the stakeholders’ forum, Alh. Rabiu Olowo, expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other officials for creating an enabling environment for effective pilgrimage management.
He pledged on behalf of his colleagues to intensify efforts in attracting more intending pilgrims to the state’s platform.In a related development, Ajomagberin on Thursday led his management team on a courtesy visit to a major sponsor, Alhaji Libari Oseni, at his Lagos residence.
The visit was to appreciate him for sponsoring a substantial number of pilgrims in the last exercise and to seek his support for the 2026 Hajj.
Responding, Oseni promised continued patronage, adding that he would sustain his sponsorship “as long as Allah makes it possible.”
According to Taofeek Lawal, Head of the Board’s Public Affairs Unit, the state is determined to ensure that the 2026 Hajj operations surpass previous years in efficiency and pilgrims’ satisfaction.
