The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has directed all intending pilgrims to complete payment for the 2026 Hajj exercise by October 8, 2025.
The announcement was made by the Board’s Director-General, Alhaji Umar Labbo, during a press briefing on Wednesday at the board’s headquarters in Dutse, the state capital. He explained that each pilgrim is expected to pay a deposit of N8.5 million as fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Labbo disclosed that Jigawa has been allocated over 1,600 Hajj seats for the 2026 pilgrimage and assured that preparations were already in place to ensure smooth operations. He noted that a special training workshop was recently organized for pilgrims’ officers and zonal officers to improve welfare delivery and strengthen the board’s response to challenges during the Hajj season.
The Director-General commended Governor Umar Namadi for his consistent support in enhancing the board’s activities. He further stated that the operational framework for the 2026 Hajj had significantly improved compared to previous years, attributing the progress to lessons learned from past experiences and better planning.
Labbo urged all intending pilgrims to make their payments early to avoid a last-minute rush and emphasized the need for both financial and spiritual preparedness. He also praised stakeholders and the media for their contributions, stressing that with adequate training, government support, and pilgrims’ cooperation, Jigawa State is confident of delivering a safe and fulfilling Hajj experience in 2026.
