The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced an extension for the payment of Hajj fares, moving the deadline from January 31 to February 10, 2025. This decision follows a directive from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) after discussions with state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and other stakeholders.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Board’s Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, the Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede, explained that the extension was made in response to appeals from intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration before the initial deadline.
“Those who were unable to meet the January 31 deadline are encouraged to take advantage of the new February 10 deadline to complete their Hajj fare of N8.7 million,” Onipede said. He also noted that pilgrims who can afford the fare, excluding the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), should proceed with their payments while arranging for their BTA separately.
The extension aims to give intending pilgrims more time to fulfill their spiritual aspirations of performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The Board Secretary also expressed appreciation for those who have already completed their payments and submitted the required forms.
For those still in the process, Onipede urged them to visit any commercial bank to raise a bank draft in favor of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and submit it, along with their forms and valid international passports, by the February 10 deadline.
Onipede assured pilgrims that the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, is committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless Hajj experience for all pilgrims, prioritizing their welfare and comfort while in the holy land.
The Hajj fare for the southern zone of Nigeria, which was finalized in collaboration with NAHCON and other stakeholders, was set at N8,784,085 for this year’s pilgrimage.
