The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced preparations for the 2027 Hajj exercise with the announcement of key guidelines and updates for intending pilgrims across the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced new policies aimed at ensuring a smoother and more efficient Hajj operation.

He disclosed that Kwara State has been allocated 2,058 slots for the 2027 pilgrimage.

Abdulkadir announced that Saturday, September 26, 2026, has been set as the deadline for the payment of the initial Hajj deposit.

Although the final Hajj fare for 2027 is yet to be determined due to ongoing planning, logistics and other operational considerations, he said intending pilgrims are required to pay an initial deposit of N6 million to secure their slots.

He explained that payments should be made through a bank draft obtained from any commercial bank in the name of "Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board."

The Executive Secretary also advised intending pilgrims whose international passports will expire before the 2027 Hajj to renew them promptly, in line with the latest requirements introduced by the Saudi authorities.

Reflecting on the 2026 Hajj exercise, Abdulkadir said no casualty was recorded among pilgrims from Kwara State, describing the exercise as successful.

He urged intending pilgrims to embark on the spiritual journey with sincerity, stressing that Hajj is an act of worship that requires pure intentions, patience and complete submission to Allah.

Abdulkadir added that every intending pilgrim must be physically fit, mentally sound and at least 16 years old to qualify for the pilgrimage.

He assured intending pilgrims of the Kwara State Government's commitment to providing efficient, transparent and pilgrim-friendly services throughout the 2027 Hajj exercise and urged all interested Muslims in the state to complete their registration and initial payments before the stipulated deadline.