*Photo: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos*
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the sale of application forms for intending pilgrims for the 2027/1448 A.H. Hajj and Ramadan Umrah exercises in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. He urged intending pilgrims to register early and commence payment of fares in line with the timetable released by Saudi Arabian authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.
According to Ajomagberin, the Hajj application form costs ₦20,000 while the Umrah form costs ₦10,000. Both are payable at the Accounts Department of the Board.
For Hajj, intending pilgrims are to pay an initial deposit of ₦7 million via bank draft drawn from any commercial bank in favour of Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. He noted that any increase or reduction in the final fare would be communicated once NAHCON announces the approved Hajj fare. The deadline for payment of the initial deposit is September 2026.
For Ramadan Umrah, intending pilgrims are also required to pay an initial deposit of ₦5.7 million through bank draft.
The Board Secretary further advised all pilgrims to collect official receipts for every payment made at the Accounts Department.
Ajomagberin said the early registration aligns with NAHCON’s directive to state boards to conclude pilgrims’ registration and financial commitments ahead of the Hajj season.
“Timely compliance will enable NAHCON to effectively coordinate visa processing, accommodation, airlift arrangements, and other logistics with Saudi authorities to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims”, he said.
He added that both Hajj and Ramadan Umrah packages have been structured to combine spiritual fulfillment with comfort and safety. Pilgrims are to enjoy: Accommodation within walking distance to the Haram, Reliable local transportation, Daily breakfast and dinner featuring local delicacies, Medical support and spiritual counseling, and Organized Ziyarah to historical and monumental sites in Makkah and Madinah
In a related development, Ajomagberin announced that enrollment in the Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA, _Ilera Eko_ Health Insurance Scheme is now mandatory for all intending pilgrims.
He said the initiative, in line with the state government’s priority on citizens’ health, is designed to guarantee access to quality healthcare before departure, during the pilgrimage, and upon return to Nigeria. Registration fees are ₦15,000 for individuals and ₦55,000 for families.
The Board Secretary reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellent service delivery, noting that these values have consistently distinguished Lagos in Hajj operations.
He expressed confidence that with the support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, and the regulatory oversight of NAHCON, the 2027/1448 A.H. spiritual exercises would rank among the most successful in recent years.