Nigeria has opened registration for the 2027 Hajj, with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) setting September 26, 2026 as the deadline for intending pilgrims to sign up. Prospective pilgrims are being urged to pay their initial deposits early as state pilgrim welfare boards begin collecting names and processing payments across the country.
Deposits and deadlines
According to reporting by Hajj Reporters, NAHCON has approved a minimum initial deposit of 4 million naira for those seeking a 2027 Hajj slot. Some state agencies are advising pilgrims to deposit more. The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has urged intending pilgrims to pay 8 million naira while awaiting the announcement of the final 2027 Hajj fare, to guard against later price increases.
The registration window runs until September 26, 2026. Officials have encouraged early payment to secure slots and to help authorities plan accommodation, transport and other services well in advance.
Early planning on the Saudi side
Nigeria's timeline is tied to Saudi Arabia's own preparations. Reporting indicates that by July 29, 2026, agreements for Mina tents, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, transportation and catering services are set to open on the Masar Nusuk platform. That same date is expected to mark the start of negotiations with airlines that will carry Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom.
Booking accommodation and services early has become increasingly important. Saudi Arabia has moved to an integrated service model for the 2027 season, bundling accommodation, transport and catering into unified packages, and has opened priority reservation windows for Hajj affairs offices and service providers. National commissions that contract early are better placed to secure preferred locations near the holy sites.
A competitive quota
Nigeria consistently ranks among the largest sources of Hajj pilgrims in sub-Saharan Africa. As with other countries, Saudi Arabia allocates Nigeria a fixed annual quota, divided between state pilgrim boards and private tour operators. Once the quota is filled, no further slots can be added, which is why authorities are pushing early registration.
The early deposit structure also reflects currency and cost pressures. By locking in payments now, pilgrim boards aim to shield intending pilgrims from the effect of exchange rate movements on the final fare, which typically covers airfare, accommodation, feeding and local transport in Saudi Arabia.
Practical tips for intending pilgrims
Register only through your state Pilgrims Welfare Board or an accredited private operator, and obtain an official receipt for every payment. Pay your deposit as early as possible to secure a slot before the September 26 deadline. Ensure your passport is valid well into 2027, as Saudi authorities require substantial validity beyond travel dates. Budget for the possibility that the final fare may exceed the initial deposit. Begin arranging the required vaccinations, including the compulsory quadrivalent meningitis vaccine, in good time before departure. Keep copies of all documents and monitor official NAHCON and state board announcements for updates on fares and departure schedules.