The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has remitted N21.5 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to facilitate the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage.
This financial commitment covers the Hajj fares for 3,257 intending pilgrims currently registered by the state. The agency confirmed that this registration figure makes Kebbi the state with the highest number of pilgrims recorded in Nigeria for the upcoming exercise.
The remittance of N21.5 billion to NAHCON is part of the state’s strategic preparations to ensure a seamless religious exercise for its citizens in Saudi Arabia.
Kebbi leads Nigeria in pilgrim registration
The agency’s leadership disclosed that the payment is a proactive measure to secure necessary slots and services required for the large number of intending pilgrims. By remitting these funds ahead of the scheduled pilgrimage, the state government aims to mitigate the risks of logistical delays and potential price escalations in the international travel market.
With 3,257 pilgrims registered, Kebbi State has officially overtaken all other Nigerian states in terms of pilgrimage interest and financial commitment for the 2027 cycle. The high volume of applicants reflects the significant demand for the Hajj within the state’s population and the government’s ability to mobilise funds for religious obligations.
The management of the Hajj in Nigeria relies on a coordinated framework between state-level welfare agencies and the federal oversight provided by NAHCON. The timely remittance by Kebbi is expected to assist the national commission in its complex planning processes, which include securing accommodation, transportation, and catering services within the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Early remittances are critical for NAHCON as it negotiates service contracts with Saudi Arabian providers. Large-scale payments from states like Kebbi provide the commission with greater leverage and liquidity to finalise essential arrangements for the Nigerian delegation.
The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency indicated that the registration process is part of an ongoing effort to ensure all intending pilgrims meet the necessary requirements. The state will continue to work with NAHCON to manage the logistics for the 3,257 registered individuals, focusing on health screenings and pre-departure orientations.
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