By Charles Pemu 
The Kebbi State Government has approved a N10 billion loan to finance the reservation of an additional 1,300 Hajj seats for intending pilgrims from the state for the 2026 pilgrimage.
This major intervention was disclosed on Saturday by the Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Yaro, during a briefing with journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
Aliyu-Yaro explained that the swift approval of the loan was essential to meet the December 5 deadline previously fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). He praised Governor Nasir Idris for what he termed a timely and people-focused decision, noting that many prospective pilgrims had been distressed over fears of losing their slots due to payment constraints.
According to the Chairman, the financial intervention achieved two crucial goals: it not only protected the state’s full allocation of Hajj seats but also successfully created opportunities for an additional 1,300 residents to participate in the spiritual journey.
Following the loan approval, the Agency announced an extension of the payment deadline for all intending pilgrims to December 16. This extension provides pilgrims with sufficient time to complete the payment of the stipulated Hajj fare of N7,696,769.79 without undue pressure. Aliyu-Yaro confirmed that all 21 local government areas in the state would benefit equally from the new arrangement.
He further revealed that Kebbi State has been engaged in preparations for the 2026 Hajj for several months, emphasizing the state’s reputation as a leading entity in early planning and coordination for the annual pilgrimage.