ABUJA – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the commencement of registration for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj exercise. Director of the Board, Alhaji Kadiri Edah, disclosed this during a meeting in Abuja, stressing that each prospective pilgrim is required to deposit a minimum of ₦8.5 million to secure a slot with the Board. According to him, the payment must be made strictly through a bank draft from any commercial bank, payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja, and submitted along with the international passport of the intending pilgrim at any of the six area councils before December 2, 2025. “No cash payment will be accepted. Registration is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, in line with our commitment to fairness,” Edah stated. He further advised those who had previously deposited funds but could not participate in earlier Hajj exercises to formally declare their intention to the Board before the deadline to confirm their seats for the 2026 pilgrimage. Highlighting the Board’s commitment to service delivery, Edah revealed that new strategies have been adopted to enhance the welfare and experience of pilgrims in the upcoming exercise. He also cautioned intending pilgrims to deal directly with the Board and beware of impostors demanding extra payments outside the officially approved Hajj fare fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).