The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved an interest-free loan of ₦3.5 billion for the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to facilitate early payments for the 2027 Hajj exercise and safeguard the state’s allocation of pilgrimage slots.
According to the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmad Umar Labbo (FCFA), the approval is intended to ensure that the state meets the financial requirements for securing Hajj seats before the deadline set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Labbo, in a statement signed by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Habibu Yusuf Babura, ANIPR, described the intervention as a demonstration of Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to supporting religious activities and promoting the welfare of intending pilgrims in Jigawa State.
He explained that the facility would enable the board to make the mandatory initial deposits on behalf of intending pilgrims, thereby preventing the state from losing its allotted Hajj slots for the 2027 pilgrimage.
The Director-General expressed appreciation to Governor Namadi and members of the State Executive Council for what he described as a timely and strategic intervention, adding that Jigawa had continued to distinguish itself in providing operational and financial support for Hajj administration.
He assured that the board would maintain the highest level of transparency and accountability in managing the funds, stressing that the loan would be utilised solely for the purpose approved by the government.
Labbo further stated that the board’s consistent record of refunding previous intervention funds immediately after collecting deposits from intending pilgrims had earned it the confidence of the state government, making it possible to obtain support without resorting to interest-bearing commercial loans.
He, therefore, urged all intending pilgrims in the state to complete their payments without delay, noting that Saudi Arabian authorities had fixed September as the deadline for the payment of initial Hajj seat deposits.
He reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring a seamless, transparent and successful Hajj operation for pilgrims from Jigawa State during the 2027 exercise.
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