The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has formally requested the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to extend the payment deadline for the 2025 Hajj by two weeks, a move aimed at providing intending pilgrims with additional time to complete their financial obligations. The call for an extension was made by the agency’s Acting Executive Secretary, Ladan Ibrahim, during a press briefing where he discussed the state’s preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage.
According to Ibrahim, many intending pilgrims, particularly those from rural communities, have been facing significant challenges in meeting the current payment deadline. He expressed concern that these challenges could prevent them from completing the required payments, thus potentially excluding them from this important spiritual journey. Ibrahim stated that by extending the payment deadline, NAHCON would allow a greater number of intending pilgrims to make the necessary payments, ensuring that all allocated slots for Sokoto State are fully utilized.
Ibrahim also highlighted that previous years had seen similar extensions, with payments being accepted even after Ramadan. He pointed out that such flexibility helped ensure the maximum number of pilgrims were able to take part in the Hajj, and a short extension in 2025 would have the same positive impact. His call for an extension was grounded in the belief that this small window of time would help fulfill the state’s commitment to ensuring every individual who expressed interest in the pilgrimage has the chance to make the trip.
Sokoto State has been allocated a total of 5,216 Hajj slots for the 2025 pilgrimage. However, Ibrahim revealed that as of now, only 1,700 intending pilgrims have made their initial deposits. This has raised concerns that the full allocation of slots may not be utilized if the payment deadline remains unchanged. Ibrahim emphasized that it is crucial to allow more intending pilgrims to meet the payment deadline to avoid leaving slots vacant.
Despite these challenges, Ibrahim assured that the Sokoto Pilgrims Welfare Agency is nearly 70% prepared for the pilgrimage. The agency has already secured accommodations for pilgrims in Mecca and Medina, finalized catering services, and arranged for comfortable camp facilities to accommodate pilgrims during their stay. These preparations have been made to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rites of Hajj in a peaceful and comfortable environment.
Additionally, Ibrahim revealed that Sokoto State has already remitted over ₦5 billion to NAHCON to cover initial deposits and other expenses associated with the pilgrimage. The state is also in discussions to provide additional financial assistance to intending pilgrims, mirroring the support given during the previous year. The goal is to alleviate some of the financial burdens that intending pilgrims face, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds.
The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency’s call for a two-week extension of the payment deadline is a strategic move to ensure that no intending pilgrim is left behind. By offering this extension, NAHCON could potentially help thousands of people complete their payments and fulfill their dream of participating in the 2025 Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. This request reflects the commitment of the Sokoto State government and the Pilgrims Welfare Agency to support their people and facilitate their participation in this significant religious event.
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