Kebbi govt pays N21.5bn to NAHCON ahead of 2027 Hajj

The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has paid N21.5 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as the state steps up preparations for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Faruk-Aliyu Yaro-Enabo, disclosed this on Wednesday when a NAHCON delegation led by its Commissioner for the North-West, Sheikh Muhammad Usman, visited Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

Yaro-Enabo also revealed that 3,257 intending pilgrims had so far registered for the pilgrimage, representing 95 per cent of the state’s registration target.

According to him, the figure is reportedly the highest number of registered intending pilgrims recorded by any state for the forthcoming Hajj operation.

He said the agency had also achieved 85 per cent remittance of Hajj fares to NAHCON, adding that the outstanding N5 billion would be paid within a few days, ahead of the September 26 deadline for registration.

The chairman urged intending pilgrims who had paid the initial N5 million deposit to complete their payments promptly to avoid missing the deadline.

“We have so far remitted N21.5 billion to NAHCON, representing 85 per cent of the required Hajj fare. The remaining N5 billion will be remitted within a few days,” Yaro-Enabo said.

According to him, the agency has commenced medical screening of intending pilgrims at the local government level, with the exercise expected to proceed to the zonal and state levels.

He said the screening was aimed at ensuring that pilgrims complied with Saudi Arabian health requirements before travelling for the pilgrimage.

Yaro-Enabo also said Kebbi had the highest number of health professionals among states that participated in last year’s Hajj operation, noting that the state’s medical personnel supported not only Kebbi pilgrims but also contributed to the success of the national exercise.

He attributed the achievements recorded by the agency to the support of Idris, whom he commended for his “unwavering support” to the agency.

In his remarks, Idris described the visit as an opportunity for the state government and NAHCON to deliberate on measures to ensure a successful 2027 Hajj operation. The governor commended the commission’s leadership for what he described as significant improvements in Hajj administration, particularly in the airlift of pilgrims.

“Let us commend NAHCON for being alive to its responsibilities. We have seen a lot of changes and transformation under the current leadership of the National Hajj Commission. We have seen significant improvements in the airlift of pilgrims. This is a clear indication that people with the requisite knowledge and commitment to work have been appointed to the leadership and administrative positions in NAHCON”, he said.

Idris also commended Kebbi pilgrims for their good conduct during the pilgrimage, while praising Yaro-Enabo for his leadership and contribution to the state’s performance.

Earlier, the leader of the NAHCON delegation, Usman, said the commission was intensifying preparations for the 2027 Hajj. He said the commission was visiting the six geopolitical zones to engage stakeholders and present its plans for the forthcoming pilgrimage.

He described state governors as critical stakeholders in the success of Hajj operations. “It is important to appreciate the efforts of the Kebbi Government towards a successful Hajj operation. Kebbi had the highest number of pilgrims last year, and you did well,” he said.

“The success was achieved through the efforts of the energetic Executive Chairman of the agency and his colleagues in this task,” the commissioner added

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