The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board is to refund about ₦71 million to pilgrims and the state government following savings recorded from the 2026 Hajj operation.
The State Amirul Hajj, Hamim Nuhu, disclosed this while presenting the Hajj report to Governor Umar Namadi in Dutse. He said about ₦44 million will be refunded to the state’s 8,899 pilgrims at approximately ₦58,300 each, while ₦27 million will be returned to the state treasury.
Nuhu attributed the savings to early preparations, prudent financial management, and the appreciation of the naira against the dollar after fares were collected.
He said the board secured a ₦3.4 billion loan to protect Jigawa’s allocation, registered pilgrims early on the Saudi Nusuk Masar Portal, and deployed preachers and centre officers.
He added that Jigawa was elevated to Mu’assasa Field Office Number One in Saudi Arabia and won the Best Pilgrims’ Accommodation Award from Al-Suada Company. Pilgrims also received free eye treatment from a Saudi-based philanthropic organisation.
He attributed the savings to early preparations, prudent financial management and the appreciation of the naira against the dollar after the Hajj fares were collected.
He also highlighted a special feeding arrangement sponsored by the governor as part of measures taken to improve the welfare of pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
The Amirul Hajj further disclosed that Jigawa State was elevated to Mu’assasa Field Office Number One in Saudi Arabia and received the Best Pilgrims’ Accommodation Award from Al-Suada Company.
He added that Jigawa pilgrims also benefited from free eye treatment provided by a Saudi-based philanthropic organisation.
Receiving the report, Governor Umar Namadi described the 2026 Hajj operation as one of the most successful in the state’s history.
He commended the Amirul Hajj team, the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, traditional rulers, preachers and other officials for what he described as their commitment to ensuring a successful pilgrimage.
Namadi said the financial refunds demonstrated transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
“This is accountability and transparency at the highest level,” the governor said, commending the leadership of the Amirul Hajj and the management of the Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The governor also announced that construction of a permanent Hajj camp and Islamic Centre would commence before the end of the year.
He said the project would provide a lasting solution to challenges associated with the state’s temporary Hajj camp.
Namadi further assured that the state government would engage the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over challenges experienced with feeding arrangements during the Masha’ir stage of the pilgrimage.
He said the recommendations contained in the Amirul Hajj report would be carefully considered and implemented to improve future Hajj operations.
The governor also noted that independent assessments had confirmed Jigawa’s strong performance in the 2026 Hajj, particularly in preparation and the conduct of its pilgrims.
He praised traditional rulers for leading the state’s Hajj delegation over the past three years, saying their commitment had contributed to the consistent improvement of the state’s pilgrimage operations.
The governor commended the Director-General of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, members of the management team, zonal officers and other officials for ensuring quality accommodation, feeding, transportation and other logistical arrangements for the pilgrims.
The refunds, according to the state government, are expected to provide direct financial relief to pilgrims while also returning surplus funds to the state treasury.
