The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) has partnered with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Sokoto State Command, to facilitate and expedite the production of International E-Passports for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
According to a statement by the Head of Information and Communications of the Agency, Faruku Umar, the partnership followed a meeting between the Agency and the Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service to explore ways of ensuring that intending pilgrims obtain their travel documents within the shortest possible time.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, said the initiative was prompted by the September 26, 2026 deadline for uploading intending pilgrims’ data onto the E-Registration portal.
He explained that timely acquisition of valid international passports was crucial to the successful completion of the electronic registration process, hence the need for closer collaboration between the Agency and the Immigration Service.
Alhaji Aliyu Musa said it was resolved at the meeting that intending pilgrims would receive special consideration in the processing of their E-Passports, with the aim of reducing the current two-week processing period applicable to regular applicants.
The Chairman commended the Sokoto State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service for its continued support and cooperation with the Agency, expressing confidence that the partnership would contribute significantly to the smooth conduct of the 2027 Hajj registration exercise.
Responding, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Sokoto State Command, Alhaji Ismaila Musa Chonoko, assured the Agency of the Command’s readiness to work closely with it to ensure the success of the 2027 Hajj operation and future Hajj exercises.
Alhaji Chonoko explained that the existing two-week processing period for international passports is a national policy, but assured that the Command would explore available avenues within its mandate to provide intending pilgrims with the necessary support and priority required for the Hajj exercise.
The two institutions agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation to ensure that eligible intending pilgrims obtain their passports and complete the electronic registration process within the stipulated deadline.