Landmark as Kebbi Governor Idris approves release of N10bn for purchase of additional 2026 Hajj seats‎

By El-Yakub Dabai, Birnin Kebbi

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi state has approved the release of ₦10 billion to support the purchase of additional Hajj seats for the 2026 pilgrimage, in a landmark intervention aimed at easing the burden on intending pilgrims across the state.
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‎This was disclosed to journalists during a press briefing by the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, in Birnin Kebbi, explaining further that the intervention followed the economic challenges affecting many intending pilgrims, especially farmers who constitute the majority of Hajj participants from the State.
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‎The Chairman said: “Although the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier fixed December 5th as the deadline for all Hajj payments, Kebbi State has about 2,100 fully paid pilgrims out of the 4,000 that performed the pilgrimage last year.
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‎”The situation prompted the Agency to brief the Governor on the difficulties faced by many citizens, including emotional cases of committed intending pilgrims who, despite bountiful harvests, still fell short of completing the Hajj fare.
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‎”Moved by compassion and in line with his people-oriented leadership style, Governor Nasir Idris approved the ₦10 billion facility to ensure that no deserving pilgrim is left behind. With this support, the State has now secured 1,300 additional Hajj seats, giving intending pilgrims a fresh window of 10 days, from December 6th to enable officials to complete their payments either at the Agency headquarters or through local government Hajj officials”.
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‎He also announced that NAHCON had once again allocated Flynas Airlines to convey Kebbi pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj, adding that the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims would to depart for the Holy Land on May 3rd, 2026, with Kebbi State among the earliest to commence airlift operations.
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‎The Chairman advised all intending pilgrims to comply with new mandatory health screenings, documentation procedures, and the enhanced Nusuk card requirements introduced by the Saudi authorities for the 2026 Hajj.

He urged them to seek clarification at the Pilgrims Welfare Agency or through their local government Hajj officers.