The Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurahman Ibrahim Idris,has directed intending pilgrims to maintain a dedicated Hajj savings account to enable them be qualified to perform the 2027 pilgrimage.
Imam Abdurahman made this known disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent on preparations for twenty-twenty seven Hajj exercise, saying the move is part of ongoing reforms by the Saudi Arabian authorities aimed at improving Hajj operations in line with the Kingdom’s Vision twenty-thirty agenda.
He said the board has approved the payment of seven million naira as an initial deposit for twenty-twenty seven Hajj, pending the official announcement of the final fare by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
According to him, preparations for twenty-twenty seven pilgrimage are already underway, and intending pilgrims are encouraged to make their deposit before the deadline set by Saudi authorities to avoid losing the opportunity.
To this end, Imam Abdurahman stated that the board will intensify public awareness campaigns by engaging weekly local markets, Islamic scholars, community leaders, and other stakeholders to educate public on the importance of making early payments, particularly in view of the evolving Hajj arrangements.
He further explained that pilgrims whose Hajj deposits have remained with the board since last year would be given priority in the 2027 hajj allocation process.
The Executive Secretary therefore urged all intending pilgrims to begin making their deposit as early as possible to secure their places and advised Muslims planning to perform Hajj in future to take advantage of the Hajj savings scheme by opening Hajj savings accounts with Jaiz Bank, Sterling Bank, or Lotus Bank, noting that the initiative is expected to reduce many of the challenges associated with Hajj operations.