Governor Namadi (left), Dutse Emir (right) and DG Jigawa pilgrims while presenting 2026 hajj report to the governor at Govt House, Dutse. CREDIT: Salisu Kabuga

The Jigawa State Government has approved a ₦53,853 refund for each of its 2026 pilgrims following the return of excess Hajj funds.

PUNCH gathered that the approval came after the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board submitted its report and remitted surplus funds to the state government.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Umar Labbo, disclosed this on Friday while presenting the 2026 Hajj Committee report to Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

He said the board refunded ₦44.9m in excess Hajj funds to the state.

“Out of the amount, the government approved ₦53,853, approximately ₦55,000, as a refund to each pilgrim who performed this year’s Hajj,” Labbo stated.

He added that the board also remitted another ₦27.2m to the state government’s treasury as additional unspent funds from the exercise.

On the state 2026 Hajj Committee, which was chaired by the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu, the executive secretary described it as the most successful in the history of Jigawa State.

“The 2026 Hajj operation was exceptional and surpassed all previous Hajj exercises conducted by the state,” he said.

Furthermore, the executive secretary commended the committee for introducing eye care services for Jigawa pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia.

“The initiative under the leadership of the Emir of Dutse is a major achievement for our pilgrims,” Labbo stated.

He also appreciated the state government for its financial support, saying, “We are grateful to the state government for providing a ₦3.4bn loan that enabled the board to successfully finance and manage the 2026 Hajj operations.”

Labbo further praised the Islamic scholars and Local Government Centre Officers for their roles in the success of the exercise at the grassroots.

“The government ensured that pilgrims were accommodated close to the Holy Mosque in Makkah and provided them with quality meals throughout their stay,” he said.

In his remarks, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hameem Nuhu, urged the government to build a permanent Hajj transit camp for intending pilgrims in the state.

“I urge the state government to establish a permanent Hajj transit camp for the Pilgrims Welfare Board instead of relying on the NYSC orientation camp, which is sometimes needed for corps members during Hajj preparations,” the Emir said.

Governor Umar Namadi, while responding after receiving the report, commended the committee for its performance.

“I commend the committee, particularly the Emir of Dutse, for the dedication and leadership demonstrated in ensuring the success of the 2026 Hajj exercise,” the governor stated.

Namadi described the Emir as an exemplary leader and said Jigawa had set a record in pilgrim welfare.

“The state government, through the pilgrims welfare board, will refund ₦55,000 to every Jigawa pilgrim as the approved excess Hajj fare refund for the 2026 pilgrimage,” the governor confirmed.