By Abdukadir Aliyu Shehu The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially opened registration and payment for the 2027 Hajj exercise, calling on intending pilgrims to begin making deposits early to secure their participation in next year’s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The announcement came on the heels of the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj operations, following the safe return of the second and final batch of Gombe pilgrims from the Holy Land.
Speaking shortly after arriving at the Gombe International Airport with the last batch of returning pilgrims, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, said preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage had commenced immediately.
He explained that the Board has introduced a more flexible payment system aimed at encouraging prospective pilgrims to begin their preparations well ahead of time.
According to him, the era of waiting for an officially designated date before commencing Hajj payments is over, as intending pilgrims can now make deposits at any time.
Alhaji Hassan disclosed that the Board’s Hajj account has already been opened for the 2027 exercise and is ready to receive deposits from interested applicants across the state.
“I want to use this opportunity to inform the public that there will no longer be a specific day set aside for the commencement of Hajj payments,” he said.
“The door is open. Anyone intending to perform Hajj in 2027 can begin making payments immediately. As from Monday, interested pilgrims can start paying into the Board’s account.”
The Executive Secretary attributed the smooth and successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise to early planning and prompt compliance by pilgrims and officials alike.
He noted that timely payments enabled the Board to conclude critical arrangements ahead of schedule, thereby eliminating many of the challenges associated with last-minute preparations.
According to him, early registration provides intending pilgrims with sufficient time to complete documentation, meet financial obligations and participate in orientation programmes before departure.
He therefore advised prospective pilgrims to emulate the example set by the 2026 contingent by commencing preparations as early as possible.
“We moved ahead of the rush and completed our arrangements in good time. That was one of the major reasons behind the success we recorded during the 2026 Hajj exercise,” Hassan stated.
“We want those planning for the 2027 pilgrimage to follow the same path so that all necessary processes can be handled smoothly and efficiently.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board and Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Abdulkadir Rashid, appealed to Muslims intending to perform Hajj next year to take advantage of the early registration window.
The Emir described early payment as the key to effective planning and a stress-free pilgrimage experience, urging intending pilgrims not to delay their deposits.
“My most important message to prospective pilgrims is simple: begin making your payments as early as possible. Early preparation remains the foundation of a successful Hajj journey,” the Emir said.
The appeal by the Board’s leadership comes as Gombe State celebrates another successful Hajj season, with officials expressing confidence that the early commencement of payments for 2027 will further enhance the state’s reputation for efficient and seamless pilgrimage administration.