By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) has commenced registration for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, fixing an initial deposit of N7.7 million per pilgrim, pending the announcement of the final Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists in Sokoto.
Musa commended the Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, for his moral and financial support to the agency, saying the government’s commitment had contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of Hajj operations in the state.
According to him, Saudi Arabian authorities directed NAHCON to commence preparations and registration for the 2027 Hajj shortly after the 2025 exercise, prompting the Sokoto State Government to direct the PWA to begin the process.
He disclosed that Sokoto State has been allocated 2,773 seats for the 2027 Hajj, with the slots distributed among the state’s 23 Local Government Area registration offices for onward registration.
> “We have gone far in registration and remittances. This is not business as usual. We are calling on intending pilgrims to meet the deadline because the government has assured us there will be no extension this year,” Musa said.
N7.7m Deposit Deadline
The PWA chairman said intending pilgrims are required to pay N7.7 million as a deposit on or before September 26, 2026, stressing that the amount is only a part-payment pending the determination of the final Hajj fare by NAHCON.
“We asked all intending pilgrims to pay N7,700,000 as part payment pending the outcome of the tentative Hajj fare from NAHCON,” he said.
Musa also warned intending pilgrims against proxy registration and the use of unauthorised channels, noting that Sokoto has faced challenges involving prospective pilgrims from the Niger Republic allegedly attempting to register through proxies.
PWA Introduces Guarantor Requirement
To address the challenge, he said the agency had introduced a Guarantor’s Form, which must be completed by a district head, village head or another recognised authority.
“No pilgrim should go to Hajj without a guarantor. The guarantor must also submit his National ID and the form must be signed by the Local Government Hajj Officer, Immigration Officer and LGA Chairman,” Musa explained.
He advised intending pilgrims to make payments only through dedicated accounts provided by the PWA and the Sokoto State Government to protect them from fraud.
Hajj Savings Scheme
Musa further disclosed that the agency was collaborating with designated banks to promote the Hajj Savings Scheme, adding that more financial institutions had expressed interest in participating in the programme.
He also revealed that NAHCON had recognised Sokoto State with an award for its performance during the 2026 Hajj operations, following an independent assessment.
“It is a morale booster for us. Insha’Allah, we will do better in 2027,” he said.
Governor Aliyu Commended
The PWA chairman reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring a successful 2027 Hajj operation.
“The Sokoto State Government under Gov. Ahmed Aliyu is 100 per cent committed. It takes over the whole exercise from beginning to the end.
“Whatever we bring forward to the governor, he approves it. So far, so good, the government is completely in charge,” Musa added.
He urged all intending pilgrims to comply with the relevant Hajj registration guidelines and complete their registration and payment before the September 26, 2026 deadline.
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