The Kebbi State Government has approved a N10 billion loan to secure an additional 1,300 Hajj seats for intending pilgrims from the state for the 2026 pilgrimage.
The Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Yaro, disclosed this on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi while briefing journalists. He explained that the intervention was necessary to meet the December 5 deadline earlier fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Aliyu-Yaro praised Governor Nasir Idris for what he described as a timely and people-focused decision, noting that many prospective pilgrims were already distressed over f£ars of losing their slots.
According to him, the loan not only protected the state’s full allocation but also created opportunities for more residents to participate. He also announced that the payment deadline for intending pilgrims has now been extended to December 16.
With the extension, pilgrims can now complete payment of the N7,696,769.79 Hajj fare without pressure. He added that all 21 local government areas in the state would benefit equally from the new arrangement.
Aliyu-Yaro further revealed that preparations for the 2026 Hajj had already been underway for several months, stressing that Kebbi remains one of the leading states in early planning and coordination for the pilgrimage.
