The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has extended the deadline for the payment of Hajj fares from January 31 to February 10, 2025.
This decision follows a directive from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to accommodate intending pilgrims who were unable to complete their registration on time.
The Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede, announced the extension in a statement released by the Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday. He explained that the decision was made during a Zoom meeting held on Tuesday between NAHCON, State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, and other stakeholders.
Onipede urged intending pilgrims who missed the initial deadline to take advantage of the extension and complete their payment of N8.7 million before the new deadline. He also advised those who can afford the Hajj fare without the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to proceed with their payment and source for their BTA separately.
“The extension will give Islamic faithfuls the opportunity to actualize their dreams of performing the spiritual obligation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Onipede said.
He congratulated those who have already completed their payments and submitted their forms for further processing. However, he encouraged those yet to complete their payments to approach any commercial bank, raise a bank draft in favor of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and submit it alongside their forms and valid international passports before the new deadline.
Onipede assured intending pilgrims that their welfare and comfort during the pilgrimage would be a top priority. He emphasized the commitment of the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, to ensure a seamless, blissful, and rewarding Hajj experience for all pilgrims.
The Hajj fare for states in the southern zone, including Lagos, was set at N8,784,085 in January after approval by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This amount covers the cost of the pilgrimage, excluding the $500 BTA, which pilgrims are expected to arrange separately.
