National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards across the country to emulate the Jigawa State counterpart in the prompt payment of Hajj seats allocated to them.
The NAHCON National Commissioner in charge of the North-West, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman, made the call during an official working visit to the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board in Dutse.
Sheikh Bin Usman explained that the call became necessary to ensure timely remittance of Hajj seat payments, commending Governor Umar Namadi for supporting the board with financial loans to settle the state’s Hajj allocations.
He noted that the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board was the first in the country to pay for its 2026 Hajj seats, setting an example for other states to follow.
Responding, the Director General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo, described the relationship between the board and the state government as exceptionally cordial.
He revealed that Jigawa is the only state with a Hadaya licence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding that several other states use Jigawa’s licence to pay their Hadaya dues during the annual Hajj exercise.
Alhaji Labbo further disclosed that Governor Namadi has approved loans to the board on four different occasions to settle Hajj seat payments, a gesture he said has continued to yield positive results.
He commended the state government for its consistent support and cooperation.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
