With just weeks to the commencement of the 2025 Hajj airlift, the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has intensified its preparations by holding a high-level stakeholder engagement on Thursday, aimed at ensuring a seamless exercise for the state’s intending pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier fixed May 9, 2025, as the official date for the commencement of airlifting Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Addressing security agencies and other relevant stakeholders, the Director General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahamed Umar Labbo, stated that the state’s preparation has reached 95 percent completion, with visa processes nearly finalized and accommodation arrangements fully secured in Saudi Arabia.
He revealed that each of the 1,809 intending pilgrims from Jigawa can now identify their accommodation and room numbers before departing Nigeria, ensuring better coordination and comfort on arrival in the Holy Land.
Labbo credited the state’s preparedness to the support of Governor Umar Namadi, who approved a loan of N3.4 billion to the board. The funds were used for the upfront payment of Hajj fares, helping Jigawa meet the deadline set by NAHCON and secure the allocated seats.
In their separate remarks, representatives of the Nigerian Police Force and other sister security agencies present at the meeting commended the board for its timely planning. They assured of adequate security deployments at the airport and Hajj camps to ensure a smooth and orderly departure.
A representative from the Department of State Services (DSS) also praised the board’s leadership for being ahead of schedule compared to many states across the federation.
The meeting highlighted Jigawa’s strong commitment to ensuring that its pilgrims enjoy a well-organized and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
