The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the collection of a N7.5 million initial deposit for the 2027 Hajj exercise.

The Director-General of the board, Ahmed Labbo, announced this during a meeting with zonal officers in Dutse, the state capital.

He said the board has directed its officers across the 27 local government areas to begin the registration of prospective pilgrims without delay.

Labbo stated that necessary materials have been distributed to ensure a smooth and efficient registration process. He stressed that all payments must be made through commercial banks to guarantee transparency.

According to him, the board remains focused on delivering a hitch-free Hajj operation. The director-general revealed that Saudi authorities have fixed September 2027 as the deadline for registration of pilgrims worldwide, adding that only 87 days remain to complete the exercise.

He urged prospective pilgrims to register early to avoid last-minute challenges. Labbo also called on zonal officers to remain vigilant and ensure that all allocations are handled in line with laid-down guidelines.

He advised them to carry out their responsibilities with a sense of duty and to sensitise the public on the importance of timely registration.

The director-general commended the staff of the board for their efforts during the 2026 Hajj operations and appreciated Governor Umar Namadi for his continued support.

He also offered prayers for a late zonal officer, Nasiru Muhammad, who died shortly after returning from Jeddah.

Meanwhile, the board has assigned Abubakar Badala to oversee Hajj activities in Maigatari, Babura, and Suletankarkar local government areas.