The Kebbi State government has clarified that the ₦10 billion facility extended to intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj was a short-term, recoverable intervention that was fully repaid within 11 days, with no loss of public funds.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, made the clarification on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi while responding to allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern.
Ahmed explained that the loan was advanced through the state pilgrims welfare agency after the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria set December 5, 2025, as the deadline for full payment by intending pilgrims. He said only about 2,000 pilgrims had paid as of the deadline, while roughly 1,300 others risked losing their slots.
“To prevent eligible pilgrims from missing the Hajj, the government approved a short-term loan on the clear understanding that it would be recovered within two weeks,” he said, adding that the entire sum was repaid by December 16, 2025.
According to Ahmed, bank records and documentation are available for public scrutiny, confirming that the transaction was completed without default. He noted that many affected pilgrims are farmers and traders awaiting proceeds from seasonal harvests and business cycles.
He disclosed that Kebbi now has 3,629 fully paid pilgrims, ranking second nationally, and is scheduled for first-batch airlift beginning May 2. He added that visa processing, accommodation and documentation were progressing smoothly.
Responding to suggestions that the funds should have been used for healthcare, Ahmed said the administration of Governor Nasir Idris has continued to invest heavily in hospitals, primary healthcare centres and medical personnel.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and urged critics to verify facts before making public statements.
