From John Bassey, Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has commended the ongoing transformation at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), particularly improvements in the airlift of pilgrims to the Holy Land and their safe return to Nigeria.
The governor made the commendation when he received a delegation from NAHCON, led by the National Commissioner in charge of the North-West and Board Member, Sheikh Muhammad bin Uthman, who paid him a courtesy visit in Birnin Kebbi as part of preparations for the 2027 Hajj operation.
Governor Idris commended the leadership of NAHCON for being responsive to its responsibilities, noting that the changes being introduced were signs that knowledgeable and committed individuals had been entrusted with the management of the Commission.
He said Kebbi State would continue to collaborate with NAHCON and embrace reforms aimed at improving Hajj operations, including the proposed involvement of private operators.
“The only permanence in life is change, and we are ready for that change by God’s grace,” the governor said.
He assured that Kebbi State would continue to strive to remain among the leading states in Hajj operations.
Governor Idris attributed Kebbi’s consistently high number of pilgrims to the administration’s economic empowerment programmes, particularly its sustained support for farmers.
He said the government had provided farmers with agricultural inputs and equipment, including fertiliser, power tillers, solar-powered irrigation pumps, CNG pumps and herbicides, free of charge.
According to him, the measures had strengthened the purchasing power of residents and contributed significantly to the increasing number of Kebbi pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
Governor Idris further disclosed that his administration had continued to pay the Hadyah for Kebbi pilgrims to reduce their financial burden.
“Provided I remain all the years that God gives me to serve as governor, pilgrims of Kebbi State will never pay Hadyah. The Government of Kebbi State will continue to pay Hadyah for them,” he said.
He explained that the gesture was part of his commitment to supporting the people, particularly pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land to worship and pray for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria and Kebbi State.
The leader of the NAHCON delegation, Sheikh Muhammad bin Uthman, conveyed the greetings of the Commission’s Chairman, Ambassador Ismai Abba Yusuf, and commended Governor Idris and the Kebbi State Government for their commitment to the welfare of pilgrims.
He recalled the governor’s earlier leadership role in the Nigeria Union of Teachers, describing him as a humble and committed leader, and expressed confidence in his continued success as governor of Kebbi State.
Sheikh Muhammad bin Uthman said the delegation was visiting states across the country to engage governors and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 Hajj, stressing that governors were critical stakeholders in ensuring a successful and hitch-free Hajj operation.
He commended Kebbi State for recording the largest number of pilgrims in the previous Hajj operation and for its effective management of pilgrims, assuring that NAHCON would continue to work closely with the state to improve their welfare and safety.
Another member of the delegation, Ishaq, highlighted some of the new guidelines and policies introduced by Saudi Arabian authorities ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
He particularly stressed the importance of completing pilgrims’ registration and uploading their data before the stipulated deadline, as well as strict compliance with medical fitness requirements.
He explained that pilgrims must undergo the required health screening and obtain certificates of fitness, warning that violations could attract serious sanctions, including restrictions on future entry into Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro Enabo, disclosed that Kebbi State had so far recorded the highest number of registered pilgrims in Nigeria, with 3,257 pilgrims registered.
He also stated that the state had remitted N21.5 billion into the NAHCON account and was expected to remit an additional N5 billion shortly.
Enabo attributed the achievements to the strong support of Governor Idris, saying:
“Whatever we need, whatever we ask the governor, he cannot spend one minute without approving.”
He assured that the state would continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of Hajj operations.