The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a ₦3.5 billion loan to enable the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from the state.
The Punch reported that the approval was announced by the State Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, while briefing journalists after the Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House in Dutse.
Musa said the decision underscores Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to promoting the welfare of Jigawa residents and ensuring that prospective pilgrims meet the necessary requirements for the pilgrimage.
He said, “In line with His Excellency Umar Namadi’s administration’s proactive commitment to meeting the state government’s obligations, the Council has approved the release of the sum of Three Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira as a loan to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board.”
According to the commissioner, the fund will cover the Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from Jigawa State.
“The loan is to facilitate the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from the state,” he stated.
Musa explained that the approval is intended to ensure the state complies with the requirements set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the 2027 pilgrimage.
He noted that “the Council’s approval is aimed at ensuring the successful participation of its citizens in the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage while complying with the directives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.”
He further stated that the financial support would allow the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to meet NAHCON’s deadline for early payment, a requirement linked to Saudi Arabia’s timeline for concluding Hajj-related contracts.
“The loan is intended to enable the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to meet the deadline set by the National Hajj Commission as part of its efforts to comply with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s requirement for the early finalisation of contractual agreements.”
Musa added that making the deposit ahead of schedule would guarantee the state’s allotted Hajj slots and support timely planning for logistics.
“The early payment will secure the state’s allocated Hajj slots and facilitate timely arrangements for accommodation, transportation, feeding and other essential services for the intending pilgrims.”
Describing the move as essential for effective coordination, he said, “The Council noted that the early deposit is a strategic measure aimed at ensuring seamless planning and efficient coordination of all activities relating to the 2027 Hajj exercise.”
He urged intending pilgrims to cooperate fully with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board by completing all registration procedures within the stipulated period.
“This is to ensure a smooth and successful 2027 Hajj exercise,” he added.
The commissioner also disclosed that the council approved the renovation of the first phase of the Reformatory School in Kafin Hausa at a cost of ₦277,214,062.98.
“The Council has approved the award of a contract for the renovation of the first phase of the Reformatory School, Kafin Hausa, at a total cost of Two Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Sixty-Two Naira, Ninety-Eight Kobo,” Musa stated.
He said the project aligns with Governor Namadi’s efforts to improve correctional and rehabilitation facilities across the state through the provision of modern infrastructure.
Explaining the objective of the project, Musa said, “The renovation project is expected to upgrade the school’s infrastructure and create a safe, secure and conducive environment for the delivery of rehabilitation services.”
He added that the upgraded facility would support the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders by equipping them with skills and values needed to become productive members of society.
“It is aimed at reforming and equipping juvenile inmates and other residents with the skills, discipline and values necessary for their successful reintegration into society as responsible and productive citizens.”
Musa also said the initiative forms part of the government’s wider commitment to strengthening social welfare institutions and promoting restorative justice.
“The Council noted that the project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve social welfare institutions and promote restorative justice,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the state government remains focused on addressing the underlying causes of juvenile crime while creating opportunities for rehabilitation, personal growth and social inclusion.
