Kano Pilgrims Board Sets Aug 25 Deadline for Passport Submission Ahead of 2026 Hajj

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has warned that intending pilgrims who fail to submit their valid international passports on or before 25 August 2026 risk losing their Hajj seats for the forthcoming pilgrimage.

The Director-General of the Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, issued the directive on Friday as part of efforts to complete registration and documentation ahead of the Saudi Arabian Hajj portal closure expected at the end of August.

According to Matawalle, the deadline is non-negotiable and is intended to allow the Board enough time to process enrolment for all registered pilgrims from the state.

“Any registered intending pilgrim who fails to submit his or her international passport on or before the stipulated deadline may not be allocated a Hajj seat,” he said.

He urged those who are yet to comply to submit their passports to the appropriate authorities “without further delay” to avoid disqualification.

The Director-General stressed that the Board would not be held responsible for any consequences arising from failure to meet the deadline.

The Board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman A. Dederi, who signed the statement, said the warning applies to all registered intending pilgrims in Kano State.

Saudi authorities typically close their Hajj registration system in late August to finalize visa and travel arrangements, which has forced state boards across Nigeria to fast-track documentation.

Pilgrims have been advised to treat the directive with “utmost urgency” to secure their seats for the 2026 Hajj exercise.