By Abdullahi Tukur
The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has remitted ₦21.5 billion in Hajj fares to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) ahead of the 2027 pilgrimage.
The agency also disclosed that 3,257 intending pilgrims have so far been registered for the 2027 Hajj, with officials working to complete payments and registration before the deadline.
Kebbi Remits ₦21.5bn to NAHCON
The Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk-Aliyu Yaro-Enabo, disclosed the figures on Wednesday when a delegation from NAHCON paid a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
Yaro-Enabo said the agency had achieved 85 percent remittance of Hajj fares to NAHCON and pledged to remit the outstanding ₦5 billion within the next few days.
He said the agency was working ahead of the September 26 deadline for the closure of registration.
3,257 Kebbi Pilgrims Registered
According to the agency chairman, 3,257 intending pilgrims have been registered, representing about 95 percent of the registration target.
He urged intending pilgrims who had already made the initial ₦5 million deposit to complete their payments as soon as possible.
The development comes as the Kebbi State Government continues to pursue measures aimed at strengthening public administration and service delivery. The Bureau Journal recently reported on efforts by the Kebbi Government to strengthen treasury operations across the state.
Medical Screening Begins Across Kebbi
Yaro-Enabo also disclosed that medical screening for intending pilgrims had commenced at the local government level.
He said the exercise would subsequently move to the zonal and state levels to ensure that intending pilgrims meet the health requirements stipulated by Saudi Arabian authorities.
The screening is part of preparations for the pilgrimage and is expected to help identify health issues before the pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia.
Governor Idris Meets NAHCON Delegation
Receiving the NAHCON delegation, Governor Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to the commission for visiting Kebbi State.
The governor said the visit provided an opportunity for the state government and NAHCON to discuss measures required to ensure a successful 2027 Hajj operation.
Governor Idris has continued to place emphasis on institutional coordination and public-sector management in the state. Recent developments include the government’s efforts to improve internally generated revenue and tax administration in Kebbi.
NAHCON Begins Nationwide Stakeholder Engagement
Earlier, the leader of the NAHCON delegation, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman, said the commission was intensifying preparations for the 2027 Hajj.
Bin Usman, who is the NAHCON Commissioner for the Northwest, said the commission planned to visit the country’s geopolitical zones to engage state-level stakeholders and present its plans for the forthcoming pilgrimage.
He described state governors as critical stakeholders in the success of Hajj operations and commended the Kebbi Government for its support.
“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.
Kebbi Steps Up 2027 Hajj Preparations
With 3,257 intending pilgrims already registered, ₦21.5 billion remitted and medical screening underway, the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency is now working towards completing the remaining financial obligations before the September 26 registration deadline.
The agency’s commitment to remit the outstanding ₦5 billion is expected to further advance the state’s preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage.
The Bureau Journal has continued to track developments in Kebbi, including the state’s broader development agenda and the administration’s efforts to strengthen public institutions. Its recent coverage has also examined Kebbi’s development journey and 35th anniversary and the administration’s efforts to rebuild public trust in the state.
The state government has also been active in other areas of public welfare, including food intervention measures for vulnerable residents.
Further updates on the 2027 Hajj registration, payments, medical screening and other preparations are expected as the September 26 deadline approaches.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor the preparations and report further developments.
Get breaking news and latest updates directly on WhatsApp
