Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has held its first major meeting since the conclusion of the 2025 Hajj exercise, focusing on reviewing the past operations and setting preparations in motion for the 2026 pilgrimage.
The meeting, chaired by the Emir of Dukku and Board Chairman, His Highness Alhaji Abdulkadir Haruna Rasheed II, was attended by nearly all board members.
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Briefing journalists after the session, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, said the meeting examined the comprehensive report of the 2025 Hajj, highlighting successes and challenges before approving the document.
He stressed the urgency of early preparations for the 2026 exercise, noting that Saudi authorities have fixed 4th January 2026 as the deadline for states to make payments for Masha’ir services in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa. According to him, failure to meet this deadline could deny states access to adequate slots for their pilgrims.
Alhaji Sa’adu advised intending pilgrims, particularly farmers, to begin deposits immediately through Local Government Hajj Officers or Ja’iz Bank to avoid last-minute challenges. He added that while the current benchmark for the 2026 Hajj fare remains over ₦8 million, there are expectations that the cost could be reduced.
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Reflecting on the 2025 exercise, he identified challenges in Medina, especially difficulties faced by pilgrims seeking entry into the Raudah section of the Prophet’s Mosque. He explained that while revered, the Raudah is not a compulsory part of Hajj or Umrah and urged pilgrims to instead focus on recognised sites such as the Prophet’s Mosque, his tomb, Baqi’a graveyard, Quba Mosque, and the Uhud martyrs’ graveyard.
The Executive Secretary assured that the Board will intensify religious orientation and grassroots sensitisation campaigns to guide pilgrims and ensure compliance with new timelines.
He also emphasised plans to work closely with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi authorities to improve accommodation, feeding, and transportation arrangements.
Alhaji Sa’adu commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his unwavering support, noting that many of the successes recorded in the 2025 Hajj would not have been possible without the governor’s intervention.
The Board, under the leadership of the Emir of Dukku, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring timely payments, improved welfare, and smoother operations for intending pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj exercise.