The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially set January 30, 2025, as the deadline for the registration of intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj exercise.
The announcement was made through a statement issued on Monday by the Board’s spokesperson, Mohammed Aliyu, who explained that the new deadline was a result of an adjustment by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
According to the Commission’s revised 2025 Hajj calendar, state Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies are required to remit all collections by February 1.
“The new deadline was as a result of adjustment by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria of the 2025 calendar directing state Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies to remit all collections by 1st of February,” Aliyu said.
The FCT Board’s statement also revealed that over 40 per cent of its allocation for the 2025 Hajj has already been exhausted since the registration process began in September 2024.
In light of this, Aliyu urged prospective pilgrims to act quickly in order to secure their spots.
“He called on the intending pilgrims to utilize the opportunity to make deposit for the hajj before the new deadline to benefit from the Board’s outstanding services in Hajj operations,” the statement read.
Prospective pilgrims are required to make a minimum deposit of N8.4m via a bank draft from any commercial bank, payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Aliyu said the deposits can be made at the Board’s headquarters in Abuja or any of the six area councils pending the release of the actual Hajj fare by NAHCON.
He also emphasised that the registration process operates on a first-come, first-served basis, in line with the Board’s commitment to fairness.
“The registration is on first-come-first-served basis via a Bank draft in line with the principle of fairness in the services of residents of the territory,” Aliyu said.
Furthermore, intending pilgrims who have previously made deposits but were unable to participate in past Hajj exercises are instructed to top up their payments to meet the new minimum deposit requirement by the January 30 deadline.
Aliyu reiterated the Board’s commitment to improving services for the 2025 Hajj.