Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially announced the cost of the 2026 Hajj
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu – Democracy Newsline Newspaper
Published: September 29, 2025
In a significant development for intending pilgrims from Kano State, the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially announced the cost of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The board has approved ₦8.2 million as the fee per pilgrim for the upcoming religious journey to the holy land of Saudi Arabia.
This announcement was made public through a press release by the board’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Dederi, under the directive of the board’s Director General, Lamin Danbappa.
According to Danbappa, the approved amount of ₦8.2 million aligns with the directive from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the body responsible for overseeing Hajj operations across the country. The new fee applies to all intending pilgrims from Kano, whether they are first-time registrants or those who had previously made partial or full payments in anticipation of the journey.
Danbappa emphasized that those who had earlier deposited ₦8.5 million, in anticipation of a possibly higher fee, will be refunded the balance of ₦300,000. However, they must submit a formal request for the refund by writing an application to the board.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that for new intending pilgrims who are just beginning the payment process, the amount payable is ₦8.2 million, following the guidelines ratified by NAHCON.
Furthermore, Danbappa stated that the deadline for full payment is December 31, 2025. He strongly advised all prospective pilgrims to ensure they complete their payments before the deadline, as this would guarantee their slot and allow the board to make the necessary logistical and spiritual preparations for a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
“May Allah grant us the blessing and opportunity to visit the Holy Land under the guidance and example of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a deeply spiritual journey that millions of Muslims worldwide undertake each year. For many in Nigeria—especially in Kano State, a region with a strong Islamic tradition—the journey represents not just a religious obligation but a lifelong dream.
The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board plays a crucial role in making this dream a reality. By organizing logistics, securing accommodations, and ensuring pilgrims’ safety and comfort, the board works closely with national and international partners, including Saudi authorities and NAHCON.
The reduction of the Hajj fare from ₦8.5 million to ₦8.2 million, although seemingly modest, is a welcome relief to many intending pilgrims facing economic challenges. It reflects the government’s efforts to subsidize or ease the financial burden associated with this sacred journey, especially in a period where foreign exchange rates, airfare, and global inflation affect travel costs.
This announcement also serves as a call to spiritual readiness and financial commitment, as the December deadline approaches. For many families, preparations are already underway—not just materially, but spiritually, as pilgrims begin to purify their intentions, resolve debts, and seek forgiveness in anticipation of standing at Arafat.
As the 2026 Hajj season draws closer, the announcement by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of thousands—one filled with hope, devotion, and the longing for a life-changing spiritual experience in the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.
