Intending 2026 Muslim pilgrims from Gombe State have lauded Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for approving a ₦5 billion bailout to cover outstanding Hajj fares and ensure the state’s full participation in next year’s pilgrimage, despite a challenging payment timeline.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board headquarters, Executive Secretary Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan explained that only a small fraction of intending pilgrims from the state had completed their payments.
He said the new deadline clashed with the usual payment cycle of rural and agrarian pilgrims.
“With the 5 December deadline fast approaching and very few payments made, we had no option but to seek the Governor’s intervention. Saudi authorities are preparing for the world, not one country; they will not wait. To avoid losing our slots, we needed urgent support,” he said.
Hassan, who also serves as an adviser to the NAHCON Chairman, revealed that the Governor promptly approved ₦5 billion to offset the outstanding balance for the state’s 950 allocated slots.
According to him, with the bailout in place, intending pilgrims now have an extended window to settle their fares beyond the Saudi-issued deadline.
Hassan, however, urged all beneficiaries to repay their Hajj fees promptly.
“The Hajj this year is not as usual. No state will receive extra slots beyond their allocation. Gombe has retained its 950 seats, and pilgrims must complete their payments to secure accommodation and services,” he warned.
Hassan added that NAHCON relies entirely on the state boards to fill their quotas and cannot intervene further without cooperation from the pilgrims.
The Governor’s intervention is expected to stabilise Gombe’s Hajj preparations, enabling officials to travel to Saudi Arabia to finalise accommodation and logistics without fear of losing the state’s allocation.
For many intending pilgrims, the bailout provides not only financial relief but also reassurance that their long-awaited spiritual journey remains within reach.
The intending pilgrims’ commendation was led by Abubakar Muhammad of Yelenguruza, Gombe, who described the Governor’s intervention as a “lifeline” for many prospective pilgrims struggling to meet the 5 December 2025 deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.
“We are very happy to hear that the Governor has paid off the balance of our Hajj fare which many of us were unable to raise due to the short notice from NAHCON.
“If not for this gesture, many of us would have missed Hajj because we were still trying to sell our farm produce and livestock.
“We assure the government that we will refund the loan before departing. By the time we reach Makkah, we will pray for peace in our state and the country,” Muhammad said.