By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
To secure the number of Hajj slots allocated to Gombe State for the 2026 Hajj exercise, the state government has paid over 5 billion Naira to the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to meet the December 5th Hajj fare payment deadline set by the Saudi authorities.
Speaking to newsmen on the development, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, revealed that the payment was approved by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to secure adequate slots for the state’s intending pilgrims in the 2026 exercise.
He noted that “This gesture stems from his Excellency’s magnanimous concern to ensure that Gombe State’s intending pilgrims are not excluded from the 2026 Hajj due to the early deadline”.
The secretary added that Saudi authorities had ordered all countries to complete their Hajj payments in the first week of December to ensure timely preparations for the exercise.
Alhaji Hassan noted that “When I brought the issue to the governor, no more than 100 people had completed their Hajj payments, consequently, the he decided to provide the 5 billion Naira bailout, allowing intending pilgrims to now complete their payments at their convenience until the end of December 2026, instead of the looming December 5th deadline”.
Alhaji Hassan appreciated the governor for the vital intervention, assuring that the funds will be repaid to the state government coffers promptly.
The Secretary encouraged the intending pilgrims to judiciously utilize this opportunity to finalize their payments, emphasizing that a “first come, first serve” formula will be applied.
He added that timely payment will facilitate timely arrangements both in Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He further noted that the board has already secured befitting accommodations and completed other logistical arrangements for the state’s intending pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to ensure a seamless execution of the religious obligation.
The National Hajj Commission has allocated 950 slots for the Gombe State intending pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj exercise.