After excess Hajj funds were returned, the Jigawa State Government authorized a ₦53,853 refund for each pilgrim in 2026.
This was revealed on Friday when Umar Labbo, the board’s executive secretary, presented Governor Umar Namadi with the 2026 Hajj Committee report at Government House in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa State.
He said that the board gave the state a refund of ₦44.9 million in excess Hajj funds.
“The government approved ₦53,853, or roughly ₦55,000, as a refund to each pilgrim who performed this year’s Hajj,” Labbo said.
He further stated that the board sent an additional ₦27.2 million in unused funds from the exercise to the state government’s treasury.
The Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu, chaired the state’s 2026 Hajj Committee, which the executive secretary called the most successful in Jigawa State’s history.
He declared, “The 2026 Hajj operation was exceptional and surpassed all previous Hajj exercises conducted by the state.”
The committee’s introduction of eye care services for Jigawa pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia was also praised by the executive secretary.
“The initiative under the leadership of the Emir of Dutse is a major achievement for our pilgrims,” Labbo stated.
He also appreciated the state government for its financial support, saying, “We are grateful to the state government for providing a ₦3.4bn loan that enabled the board to successfully finance and manage the 2026 Hajj operations.”
Labbo further praised the Islamic scholars and Local Government Centre Officers for their roles in the success of the exercise at the grassroots.
“The government ensured that pilgrims were accommodated close to the Holy Mosque in Makkah and provided them with quality meals throughout their stay,” he said.
In his remarks, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu, urged the government to build a permanent Hajj transit camp for intending pilgrims in the state.
“I urge the state government to establish a permanent Hajj transit camp for the Pilgrims Welfare Board instead of relying on the NYSC orientation camp, which is sometimes needed for corps members during Hajj preparations,” the Emir said.
Governor Umar Namadi, while responding after receiving the report, commended the committee for its performance.
“I commend the committee, particularly the Emir of Dutse, for the dedication and leadership demonstrated in ensuring the success of the 2026 Hajj exercise,” the governor stated.
Namadi described the Emir as an exemplary leader and said Jigawa had set a record in pilgrim welfare.
“The state government, through the pilgrims welfare board, will refund ₦55,000 to every Jigawa pilgrim as the approved excess Hajj fare refund for the 2026 pilgrimage,” the governor confirmed.
