Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has described the 1447 AH (2026 AD) Hajj operation as one of the most successful in the state’s history, commending officials for their effective coordination of the pilgrimage.
The governor stated this on Friday at the Government House, Dutse, while receiving the 2026 Hajj Operation Report from the Amirul Hajj, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi, who led the state’s pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Governor Namadi said the report, supported by independent assessments, confirmed Jigawa’s outstanding performance in the preparation and conduct of the pilgrimage.
He commended the Amirul Hajj, traditional rulers, the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, management staff, zonal officers, preachers and other officials for ensuring effective accommodation, feeding, transportation and other logistical arrangements.
The governor said prudent management of the operation resulted in financial refunds of nearly ₦44 million to pilgrims, equivalent to about ₦58,300 per pilgrim, while an additional ₦27 million would be refunded to the state government.
He described the refunds as evidence of transparency, accountability and responsible management of public resources.
Governor Namadi also announced that construction of a permanent Islamic Centre, including a Hajj camp, would commence before the end of 2026 to address challenges associated with the temporary camp.
He further assured the Amirul Hajj that the state government would engage the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over challenges encountered with feeding arrangements during the Masha’ir stage and would consider the recommendations contained in the report.
Presenting the report, the Amirul Hajj attributed the successful operation to early preparations by the state government, including approval of a ₦3.4 billion loan that secured Jigawa’s Hajj allocation.
He also cited timely registration of pilgrims on the Saudi Nusuk Masar Portal, deployment of preachers and Centre Officers, and the governor’s sponsorship of a special feeding arrangement as factors that contributed to the success.
The Amirul Hajj disclosed that Jigawa State had been elevated to Mu’assasa Field Office Number One in Saudi Arabia and received the Best Pilgrims’ Accommodation Award from Al-Suada Company.
He added that Jigawa pilgrims also benefited from free eye treatment provided by a Saudi-based philanthropic organisation during the pilgrimage.
Usman Muhammed Zaria
