The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has officially announced the approved fare for the upcoming 2026 Hajj exercise, setting the amount at N8,244,813.67. This significant announcement comes with strict guidelines and deadlines for intending pilgrims to ensure a smooth and organized religious journey.

According to a statement issued by the Director of the Board, Mallam Kadiri Edah, all prospective pilgrims are urged to finalize their payments before the end of December this year. This deadline is crucial for booking a place for the 2026 pilgrimage. Mallam Edah elaborated that while intending pilgrims have the option to make an initial deposit, the full outstanding amount must be remitted by the specified deadline to secure their participation.

Emphasizing transparency and security, Mallam Edah explicitly stated that all payments to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board must exclusively be made via bank draft. He firmly reiterated that under no circumstances would cash transactions be accepted. This measure is intended to streamline financial processes and prevent irregularities. The Director further explained that adherence to this payment deadline is vital to allow the Board sufficient time to accurately compile the final list of intending pilgrims and subsequently remit all collected funds to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in a timely manner.

In a related development, Mallam Edah also addressed pilgrims who may have inadvertently paid an amount exceeding the approved hajj fare. He advised these individuals to promptly forward their bank account details to the Board to facilitate a refund of the excess payment. Consistent with the Board's financial policies, Mallam Edah stressed that these refunds would solely be processed through direct bank transfers into the pilgrims' accounts, and again, no cash transactions would be entertained for refunds.

Furthermore, pilgrims who have already completed their full payment for the 2026 Hajj exercise are requested to submit their international passports along with their duly completed forms to their respective area officers. This step is essential to enable the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to efficiently process all necessary travelling documents well in advance of the deadline, ensuring that all logistical arrangements are in place for the spiritual journey.