The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appealed to the Gombe State Government to release funds to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to enable it meet the December 21 deadline set by the Saudi authorities for the payment of Hajj fares.
The Commissioner, representing the North East at NAHCON, Abuja, Alhaji Abba Jatau, made the appeal when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya in Gombe.
Alhaji Jatau explained that “early remittance of Hajj payments to the Saudi authorities through NAHCON would significantly minimise logistical challenges often encountered during the pilgrimage.”
He further noted that timely payment would facilitate the prompt issuance of visas to intending pilgrims, which is expected to close on February 2nd, 2026.
Addressing health-related matters, the NAHCON Commissioner disclosed that Saudi authorities had issued new guidelines making vaccination mandatory for all intending pilgrims.
He, however, said that pregnant women, the elderly, the sick, and persons with mental illness were prohibited from participating in the exercise.
Alhaji Jatau commended the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, for his dedication and contributions toward the success of Hajj operations at both state and national levels.
In his response, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said; “the visit by NAHCON would further strengthen the state government’s commitment to addressing challenges in the sector.”
Professor Njodi acknowledged that the rate of Hajj fare payments among intending pilgrims in the state remained relatively low but promised that the Yahaya administration would look into the issues raised and take appropriate steps within available resources.
On the health concerns highlighted by the North East Commissioner, the SSG reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining its record of effective health management.
He emphasised that vaccination would remain compulsory for all intending pilgrims from Gombe State.
The Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, announced that 1,631 slots had been allocated to Gombe State for the 2026 Hajj.
He, however, noted that the number may be reduced due to certain adjustments.
Alhaji Hassan also revealed that ₦8.2 million had been earmarked for each slot, but the amount could be reviewed downward depending on future developments.
Olusola Akintonde