Gombe Hajj Board Warns Pilgrims Against Delaying 2026 Deposits
The Gombe State Muslim Welfare Board has issued a strong appeal to intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, urging them not to delay in making their required deposits for the sacred journey.
The board’s management said early payment is the only way to guarantee a smooth registration process and compliance with Saudi Arabia’s strict timelines.
The warning comes amid growing pressure from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which has repeatedly stressed that Saudi authorities will not grant extensions for visa processing, fare payments, or contractual obligations ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage.
NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, recently cautioned state boards and pilgrims alike, declaring, “If the portal closes today, it closes today.”
Although the Gombe board did not immediately disclose the exact deposit amount or deadlines, other states have already released their figures. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, for instance, has asked intending pilgrims to deposit ₦8.5 million on or before December 2, 2025, while the Lagos State board announced the same amount with the option of spreading payments across three instalments to ease the financial burden.
By comparison, Gombe’s early caution reflects a proactive stance to ensure that its pilgrims are not left stranded when Saudi Arabia’s system closes.
In previous years, late payments and last-minute rushes have caused chaos, with many Nigerians unable to meet the deadlines set by Saudi authorities.
For intending pilgrims in Gombe, the board’s advice is clear: secure your slot by paying early. With the Hajj now attracting higher costs due to inflation and exchange rate pressures, timely deposits will not only secure access to the limited slots allocated to Nigeria but also allow for proper planning of travel, accommodation, and feeding arrangements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The board promised to release more detailed guidelines in the coming weeks, but for now, the emphasis remains on urgency. The 2026 pilgrimage may be months away, but for Nigeria’s pilgrims, the countdown has already begun.
