Bauchi Registers 2,086 Pilgrims For Hajj

Bauchi State will airlift 2,086 intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, despite a significant reduction in Nigeria’s overall allocation that has affected thousands of applicants nationwide.

The executive secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris, disclosed this during a press conference in Bauchi, where he also unveiled the official flight schedule for the pilgrimage.

He explained that the final number of pilgrims from the state reflects the impact of a directive by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which slashed Nigeria’s initial allocation of 95,000 slots by 41,000 due to a global adjustment in Hajj quotas.

The development, he said, has left some intending pilgrims unable to make the final list. He advised those affected to either defer their payments to the 2027 Hajj or apply for a refund.

“This situation is beyond the control of the board,” Idris said, urging affected applicants to show understanding and regularly check their status through official channels.

As preparations intensify, the board announced that distribution of uniforms and travel bags to successful pilgrims commenced on Thursday.

Idris also emphasised that new guidelines introduced by Saudi authorities must be strictly observed, warning that compliance is mandatory throughout the pilgrimage.

He further urged intending pilgrims to stay updated through radio announcements, social media, and their respective local government Hajj offices as the airlift date approaches.