The Kebbi State Government has rejected allegations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding the N10 billion intervention for intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, describing the claims as misleading and not reflective of the full facts.
Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, clarified that the amount was not a sponsorship but a short-term loan advanced through the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency to enable intending pilgrims meet the payment deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He explained that NAHCON fixed 5 December 2025 as the deadline for full payment nationwide, but as at that date only 2,000 pilgrims from Kebbi State had completed their payments, leaving about 1,300 others at risk of losing their Hajj slots.
According to the commissioner, the state government approved the temporary financial intervention to prevent this outcome, with a clear agreement that the funds would be repaid within two weeks once the affected pilgrims completed their payments. He confirmed that the agreement was fully honoured.
Yakubu said the decision was guided by the socioeconomic realities of the pilgrims, many of whom are farmers and traders awaiting proceeds from late November and early December harvests and business activities. He noted that their challenge was largely a matter of timing rather than inability to pay.
“As a result of this timely intervention, Kebbi State now has 3,629 fully paid pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, ranking second nationally and placing the state among the first batch to be airlifted at the commencement of Hajj operations,” he stated.
The commissioner further dismissed insinuations that the intervention indicated neglect of other critical sectors. He stressed that the state government has continued to invest heavily in health and infrastructure, with several hospitals—including tertiary facilities—constructed or rehabilitated, alongside numerous primary healthcare centres across the state.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration to transparency, accountability and the welfare of citizens in all sectors.
