2027 Hajj: Kebbi Remits N21.5bn to NAHCON, Records 95% Registration
By Khadijat Saidu,
Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has remitted N21.5 billion in Hajj fares to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
The Executive Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro-Enabo, disclosed this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by an NAHCON delegation to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
Yaro-Enabo said the agency had registered 3,257 intending pilgrims, the highest number recorded by any state in the country so far.
He pledged to remit the balance of N5 billion to NAHCON within the next few days, ahead of the September 26 deadline for the closure of registration set by Saudi Arabian authorities.
According to him, Kebbi has achieved 95 per cent registration of intending pilgrims and 85 per cent remittance of Hajj fares.
He urged intending pilgrims who had made an initial deposit of N5 million to complete their payments without delay.
The chairman further disclosed that the agency had commenced medical screening for intending pilgrims at the local government level. He said the exercise would later proceed to zonal and state levels to ensure compliance with Saudi health requirements.
He noted that Kebbi had the largest contingent of health professionals during last year’s Hajj operation. According to him, the state’s medical team not only served Kebbi pilgrims but also contributed to the success of the national operation.
Yaro-Enabo commended Governor Idris for his support to the agency, which he said had contributed to the successes recorded by the state.
In his remarks, Governor Idris commended NAHCON for its transformation under the current leadership.
“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 leadership and administrative positions in NAHCON,” he said.
The governor added that Kebbi was leading not only in the number of pilgrims but also in other areas critical to a successful Hajj operation. He also lauded Kebbi pilgrims for their good conduct and praised Yaro-Enabo for his leadership.
Earlier, the leader of the NAHCON delegation and Commissioner for the Northwest, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman, said the commission was making concerted preparations for the 2027 Hajj.
He said the visit to geopolitical zones was aimed at engaging stakeholders and presenting the commission’s plans for the pilgrimage.
“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.
“The success was achieved through the efforts of the energetic Executive Chairman of the agency and his colleagues in this task,” Bin Usman said.