The Jigawa State Government has approved a ₦3.5 billion loan to enable 466 intending pilgrims from the state to pay their deposits for the 2027 Hajj exercise, in a move aimed at securing the state’s allocation and meeting the deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The approval was granted during the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House in Dutse.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, said the decision underscores Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to the welfare of Jigawa residents.
Musa said, “In line with His Excellency Umar Namadi’s administration’s proactive commitment to meeting the state government’s obligations, the Council has approved the release of the sum of Three Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira as a loan to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board.”
He explained that the fund is specifically meant to cover the Hajj deposits of 466 intending pilgrims.
“The loan is to facilitate the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from the state,” he stated.
According to him, the approval is also intended to ensure the state complies with NAHCON’s directives and Saudi Arabia’s new policy requiring the early completion of Hajj contractual arrangements.
“The Council’s approval is aimed at ensuring the successful participation of its citizens in the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage while complying with the directives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.”
He added, “the loan is intended to enable the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to meet the deadline set by the National Hajj Commission as part of its efforts to comply with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s requirement for the early finalisation of contractual agreements.”
Musa noted that making the payment early would guarantee Jigawa’s Hajj slots and allow adequate preparations for accommodation, transportation, feeding and other logistics.
“the early payment will secure the state’s allocated Hajj slots and facilitate timely arrangements for accommodation, transportation, feeding and other essential services for the intending pilgrims.”
Describing the move as strategic, he said the early deposit would ensure seamless planning for the pilgrimage.
“The Council noted that the early deposit is a strategic measure aimed at ensuring seamless planning and efficient coordination of all activities relating to the 2027 Hajj exercise,” he said.
He urged all intending pilgrims to cooperate with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board by completing their registration within the stipulated timeline.
“This is to ensure a smooth and successful 2027 Hajj exercise,” he added.
In a separate decision, the State Executive Council also approved the award of a contract worth ₦277.2 million for the first phase of the renovation of the Reformatory School in Kafin Hausa.
“The Council has approved the award of a contract for the renovation of the first phase of the Reformatory School, Kafin Hausa, at a total cost of Two Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Sixty-Two Naira, Ninety-Eight Kobo,” Musa stated.
He explained that the project aligns with Governor Namadi’s drive to strengthen the state’s correctional and rehabilitation system by providing modern facilities.
“The renovation project is expected to upgrade the school’s infrastructure and create a safe, secure and conducive environment for the delivery of rehabilitation services.”
According to Musa, the upgraded facility will help reform juvenile inmates and equip them with skills needed for productive lives after rehabilitation.
“it is aimed at reforming and equipping juvenile inmates and other residents with the skills, discipline and values necessary for their successful reintegration into society as responsible and productive citizens.”
He added that the initiative forms part of the government’s wider effort to improve social welfare institutions and promote restorative justice.
“The Council noted that the project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve social welfare institutions and promote restorative justice,” he said.
