The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has so far remitted N21.5 billion in Hajj fares to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in preparation for the 2027 Hajj.
The Executive Chairman of Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk-Aliyu Yaro-Enabo, disclosed this on Wednesday when a delegation from NAHCON paid a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
According to the chairman, the agency has also registered 3,257 intending pilgrims for the pilgrimage, the highest number recorded by any state in the federation.
He pledged to remit the outstanding N5 billion to NAHCON within the next few days, ahead of the September 26 deadline for the closure of registration.
He said that Saudi Arabian authorities have set September 26 as the deadline for the registration of intending pilgrims.
Faruku Enabo said the agency had achieved 95 per cent registration of intending pilgrims and 85 per cent remittance of Hajj fares to NAHCON.
He advised intending pilgrims who had made an initial deposit of N5 million to hasten the completion of their payments.
The chairman also disclosed that the agency had commenced medical screening at the local government level, adding that the exercise would proceed to the zonal and state levels to ensure compliance with Saudi Arabian health requirements.
He assured that Kebbi had the highest number of health professionals among states participating in last year’s Hajj operation, noting that the medical team had not only served Kebbi pilgrims but also contributed to the success of the national operation.
Yaro-Enabo appreciated Governor Idris for his unwavering support to the agency, which he said had contributed significantly to the successes recorded by the state.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Nasir Idris appreciated the NAHCON leadership for deeming Kebbi worthy of receiving such a high-powered delegation.
He said the visit was an opportunity to brainstorm on ways to ensure the success of the 2027 Hajj operation.
“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 the leadership and administrative positions in NAHCON.
“We are happy that Kebbi is leading, not only in terms of the number of pilgrims, but also in other areas that contribute to a successful Hajj operation,” the governor said.
Governor Idris also commended Kebbi pilgrims for their good conduct, while appreciating the Chairman of the agency, Yaro-Enabo, for his efforts and leadership, which he said had contributed to the successes recorded by the state.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman, said the commission was making concerted preparations for the 2027 Hajj operation.
Bin Usman, who is also the NAHCON Commissioner for the Northwest, said there was a need for the commission to visit all geopolitical zones of the country to engage stakeholders and present its plans for the forthcoming pilgrimage.
According to him, state governors are critical stakeholders in ensuring the success of Hajj operations.
The commissioner said: “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.”
