The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) is urging the federal government to set up functional passport offices in every Nigerian state, arguing that the current concentration in Abuja and Lagos creates bottlenecks that could hinder pilgrims’ travel documentation ahead of the 2027 Hajj. The agency’s chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, made the appeal during an interview in Sokoto, highlighting passport processing as a key logistical hurdle for state welfare agencies.
**Why is decentralisation needed?**
Musa explained that limiting passport services to the two major centres forces state agencies to scramble for limited slots, leading to unnecessary travel, higher costs and congestion, especially during peak Hajj preparation periods. He said that moving passport facilities closer to pilgrims’ residences would cut delays, ease pressure on welfare agencies and help meet the strict timelines required for visa and travel document issuance.
**What impact could state‑level passport offices have?**
According to the chairman, a decentralized system would allow state Pilgrims Welfare Agencies to process documentation more efficiently, reducing the risk of missed deadlines and ensuring a smoother pilgrimage experience. He warned that reliance on only Abuja and Lagos could result in “administrative bottlenecks” that jeopardise the overall success of the Hajj operation.
**How does this relate to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria?**
The agency also addressed rumours that it had opened a new registration round for the 2027 Hajj. Musa clarified that the Sokoto PWA has not begun fresh registration despite the allocation of additional slots by the [National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hajj_Commission_of_Nigeria). Those extra slots are intended for pilgrims who have already paid but were unable to secure a place when the original quota was filled.
**What should prospective pilgrims do?**
Musa urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the Sokoto PWA and NAHCON, dismissing unverified reports of a new registration drive. He also praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his continued support of the annual Hajj, noting that the governor’s backing helps ensure the welfare and coordination of Sokoto’s pilgrims.
**What is the agency’s next step?**
The chairman appealed to the [Federal Government](https://www.gov.ng/) and relevant passport authorities to either establish new state offices or strengthen existing facilities. He affirmed that the PWA will keep working with NAHCON and other stakeholders to address administrative challenges and guarantee that pilgrims are fully prepared for the 2027 pilgrimage.