The Jigawa State Government has approved a N3.5 billion loan to facilitate the payment of 2027 Hajj deposits for 466 intending pilgrims across the state.
The intervention is aimed at enabling the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board to meet the payment deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), secure the state’s allocated pilgrimage slots and complete key preparations ahead of the exercise.
The approval, announced after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Dutse, was made public on Wednesday.
Speaking after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, said the decision reflects Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to supporting intending pilgrims and ensuring the state complies with the requirements for the 2027 Hajj.
According to Musa, the council approved the release of the N3.5 billion loan to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to cover the required deposits on behalf of the 466 intending pilgrims.
“The Council approved the release of the sum of Three Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira as a loan to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to facilitate the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from the state,” he said.
Musa explained that the intervention would enable the board to comply with NAHCON’s directive on the early remittance of Hajj deposits, allowing Saudi Arabian authorities to conclude contractual arrangements well ahead of the pilgrimage.
He added that the early payment would also secure Jigawa’s Hajj allocation while providing sufficient time to finalise accommodation, transportation, feeding and other logistics for the pilgrims.
“The early deposit is a strategic measure aimed at ensuring seamless planning and efficient coordination of all activities relating to the 2027 Hajj exercise,” the commissioner said.
He urged intending pilgrims to cooperate with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board by completing their registration and meeting all stipulated timelines to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage.