The Gombe State Muslims Welfare Board has convened its first major meeting since the conclusion of the 2025 Hajj exercise.
The meeting, which had the attendance of nearly all board members, was presided over by the Chairman, His Highness the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Abdulkadir Haruna Rasheed.
Following the deliberations, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Saadu Hassan, briefed journalists at his office in Gombe.
He explained that the central agenda of the meeting was to review the comprehensive report of the 2025 Hajj operations.
According to him, the board carefully examined the successes and challenges recorded during the exercise and subsequently approved the report.
Alhaji Saadu disclosed that preparations for the 2026 Hajj must begin without delay, stressing the importance of early deposits by intending pilgrims.
He noted that the Saudi calendar indicates that the payment of Masha’ir (Hajj rites services in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa) is scheduled for 4th January 2026.
“This means that before that date, all states in Nigeria must make their payments and also ascertain the exact number of pilgrims they will be presenting for the next exercise,” Saadu explained.
He described the deadline as a major challenge for both state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Executive Secretary expressed concern over the financial hardships faced by intending pilgrims, especially since the majority are farmers.
He urged all those planning to perform the 2026 Hajj to seize the current opportunity and begin their deposits immediately.
According to him, payments can be made through Local Government Hajj Officers or through Ja’iz Bank, all of which are recognized channels by the board.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the 2025 Hajj, Saadu particularly mentioned the difficulties pilgrims experienced in Medina, especially regarding entry into the Raudah section of the Prophet’s Mosque.
He explained that while the Raudah is a revered spot, it is not a compulsory part of Hajj or Umrah rituals, and therefore pilgrims should not overstress themselves about gaining access.
“The Prophet’s Mosque itself, his tomb, the Baqi’a graveyard, the Quba Mosque, and the Shuhadā’ graveyard at Uhud are the key recognized sites of visitation for pilgrims. People should focus on these rather than exerting unnecessary effort on Raudah entry,” he advised.
He emphasized that visiting these five sacred places provides sufficient spiritual value and should be the focus of pilgrims instead of enduring stress and frustration.
Saadu further noted that the board would continue to educate and sensitize pilgrims on proper religious orientation to ensure a more peaceful spiritual journey.
The meeting also deliberated on strengthening collaboration with Saudi authorities, particularly regarding accommodation, feeding, and transportation in the holy land.
According to Saadu, the board would work closely with NAHCON to ensure smoother operations during the next pilgrimage.
He also expressed hope that the 2026 Hajj fare would be lower than what was paid in 2025, considering the economic realities faced by Nigerian pilgrims.
However, he clarified that NAHCON has directed all intending pilgrims to begin deposits based on last year’s benchmark of over ₦8 million per pilgrim, pending final adjustments.
“We pray the cost reduces, but as it stands, every intending pilgrim must start saving and depositing as if the fare will remain the same as last year. That is the safest way to avoid disappointment,” he explained.
The board also resolved to improve its sensitization campaigns at the grassroots so that intending pilgrims across all local governments are adequately informed about the new timelines.
In addition, the board expressed appreciation to the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahya, for his unwavering support of the board and the entire pilgrimage exercise.
“Without the Governor’s consistent intervention and encouragement, many of the successes we recorded during the 2025 Hajj would not have been possible,” Saadu emphasized.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the board, under the leadership of the Emir of Dukku, to strengthen preparations ahead of the 2026 Hajj, ensuring smoother operations, timely payments, and improved welfare for all Gombe pilgrims