Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the registration of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The director of the board, Alhaji Kadiri Edah, disclosed this during a meeting in Abuja, stating that prospective pilgrims must deposit a minimum of N8.5 million to secure a seat.

?Intending pilgrims who wish to participate in the 2026 Hajj through the board are required to make an initial deposit of N8.5 million via a bank draft from any commercial bank, payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja,? he said.

He emphasised that the submission deadline is December 2, 2025, and applicants must submit their bank drafts alongside their international passports to officials at any of the six area councils in the FCT.

?We will only accept bank drafts; no cash payments will be entertained. Registration is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness to all residents,? the director warned.

Edah also advised individuals who had previously deposited funds but could not participate in past Hajj exercises to formally notify the Board before the deadline to secure a spot for the 2026 pilgrimage.

?The Board is committed to improving services for registered pilgrims through new strategies introduced for the upcoming Hajj,? he stated.

Additionally, he cautioned intending pilgrims against dealing with third parties, warning that the official Hajj fare is a complete package as fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

?We urge pilgrims to transact directly with the Board and avoid any fraudulent demands for extra payments outside the approved fare,? he advised.

He said the Board?s move aims to ensure a seamless and transparent registration process for the spiritual journey. (LEADERSHIP)

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