Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved an interest-free loan of ₦3.5 billion to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, enabling the early payment of Hajj seat deposits for 466 intending pilgrims from the state ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage. The approval was announced on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, following the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Dutse, the state capital.
The State Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture, Alhaji Sagir Musa Ahmed, disclosed the decision to journalists shortly after the meeting. He explained that the loan is intended to ensure the successful participation of Jigawa citizens in the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage while complying with the directives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's requirement for the early finalisation of contractual agreements and advance payments for Hajj operations. According to the commissioner, the early payment will secure the state's allocated Hajj seats and facilitate timely arrangements for accommodation, transportation, feeding, and other essential services for the intending pilgrims.
The Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmad Umar Labbo (FCFA), described the intervention as a demonstration of Governor Umar Namadi's commitment to supporting religious activities and promoting the welfare of intending pilgrims in Jigawa State. He explained that the facility would enable the board to make the mandatory initial deposits on behalf of intending pilgrims, thereby preventing the state from losing its allotted Hajj slots for the 2027 pilgrimage. Labbo expressed appreciation to Governor Namadi and members of the State Executive Council for what he described as a timely and strategic intervention, adding that Jigawa had continued to distinguish itself in providing operational and financial support for Hajj administration.
The Director-General assured that the board would maintain the highest level of transparency and accountability in managing the funds, stressing that the loan would be utilised solely for the purpose approved by the government. He further stated that the board's consistent record of refunding previous intervention funds immediately after collecting deposits from intending pilgrims had earned it the confidence of the state government, making it possible to obtain support without resorting to interest-bearing commercial loans. Labbo urged all intending pilgrims in the state to complete their payments without delay, noting that Saudi Arabian authorities had fixed September as the deadline for the payment of initial Hajj seat deposits.
The approval of the ₦3.5 billion loan comes as Jigawa State continues to demonstrate proactive planning for the Hajj exercise, following the successful refund of a ₦3.4 billion Hajj loan to the state government after the conclusion of the 2026 pilgrimage. The state government's early intervention is expected to ensure seamless planning and efficient coordination of all activities relating to the 2027 Hajj exercise, while protecting the interests of the state's intending pilgrims. The commissioner urged all intending pilgrims to cooperate with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board by complying with all registration requirements and timelines to ensure a smooth and successful 2027 Hajj exercise.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments