By: John Bassey, Kebbi.

The Executive Chairman, of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Yaro, has applauded His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, for approving the release of N10 billion loan to secure 1,300 additional Hajj slots for the state’s intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Faruku Yaro made the commendation while addressing a press conference in his office in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

He said the Governor deserved special prayers from the people of Kebbi State in view of his gigantic, decisive, and humanitarian intervention, which rescued many intending pilgrims who would have missed the exercise.

It will be recalled that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had fixed December 5 as the payment deadline for the 2026 Hajj fare, with no provision for extension.

However, following Governor Idris’s intervention, the Chairman announced that Kebbi State pilgrims now have an additional ten days to complete their payments.

He stated that intending pilgrims from across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kebbi State have until December 16, to make their payments through their Local Government Hajj Guides or at the agency’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.

“I am glad to announce the extension of the deadline for intending pilgrims to make payments for the 2026 Hajj up to December 16. The extension followed the release of N10 billion by Gov. Nasir Idris to secure 1,300 additional Hajj seats for the state. With this development, the door is now open for all intending pilgrims to make their payments of N7,696,769:79 up to Monday, Dec. 16, 2025,” he said.

He added that the gestures ensure that no resident willing to perform the pilgrimage next year is left behind.

Aliyu-Yaro further stated that the intervention not only safeguarded the state’s Hajj allocation but also provided financial relief for many intending pilgrims who feared they might miss the hajj exercise.

He assured that the agency had already commenced all necessary arrangements to process payments, documentation, and other preparatory requirements for eligible applicants.

The Chairman also revealed that NAHCON had formally approved Flynas as the official carrier to airlift 2026 intending pilgrims from Kebbi State to and from Saudi Arabia.

Aliyu-Yaro commended Gov. Idris for what he described as a timely, compassionate, and people-centred intervention.

“Kebbi continues to distinguish itself through early planning and firm commitment to citizens’ welfare under the leadership of Gov. Idris and with the support of his two wives, Hajiya Zainab-Nasare Idris and Hajiya Nafisa Idris.

It is pertinent to note that Kebbi began preparation for the 2026 Hajj exercise about seven to eight months ago.
We pray to retain our position as the best state in preparation, operation, and conduct of the Hajj exercise across Nigeria,” he said.