The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has remitted over N6.3 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria as payment for this year’s Hajj pilgrims.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the board, Umar Labbo, during a stakeholders’ meeting on preparations for the 2025 Hajj exercise held on Friday at the board headquarters in Dutse, the State capital.

According to Labbo, Jigawa State was the first state to complete payment for this year’s Hajj to NAHCON.

He attributed the success to the state government’s support and the board’s efficient management.

The Director General revealed that the state government provided a loan of N3.36 billion to the board, which was used to purchase Hajj seats from NAHCON. “This gesture has ensured that Jigawa State pilgrims secure their seats for the holy pilgrimage,” he said.

Highlighting some of the innovative measures introduced by the board this year to enhance the pilgrims’ experience, Labbo explained that “one of such measures is a new system where each pilgrim would be informed of their accommodation room number in the Holy Land while still in Nigeria.”

This development, he added, “is expected to reduce anxiety and enhance the overall pilgrimage experience.”

Additionally, Mr. Labbo revealed that the board has also implemented a system to convert pilgrims’ Basic Travel Allowance to prevent fraud. “this measure will ensure that pilgrims’ funds are utilized efficiently and effectively,” he noted.

In terms of visa processing, the Director General reported that so far, the board has achieved 95% completion. Saying that “this progress is a testament to the board’s dedication to ensuring that all necessary arrangements are finalized well ahead of the pilgrimage.”

Also, the Director General expressed gratitude to the state government for its support and cooperation.

He assured the pilgrims that the board would do everything possible to ensure their comfort and safety during the pilgrimage.

Labbo further disclosed that all necessary arrangements have been finalized for the airlift of pilgrims scheduled to begin on May 9th.

He, however, stated that the board is working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth and successful operation of this year’s exercise.

The PUNCH reports that security agencies had, during the meeting, also briefed the stakeholders on the security preparations made so far ahead of this year’s Hajj exercise.


https://punchng.com/hajj-2025-jigawa-pilgrims-board-remits-n6-3bn-to-nahcon/