The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has remitted N21.5 billion Hajj fares to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in preparation for the 2027 Hajj.
The Executive Chairman of the Agency, Alhaji Faruk-Aliyu Yaro-Enabo, disclosed this on Wednesday when a delegation from NAHCON paid a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
According to the chairman, the agency has also registered 3,257 intending pilgrims for the pilgrimage.
He pledged to remit the outstanding N5 billion to NAHCON within the next few days, ahead of the September 26th deadline for the closure of the registration.
Faruku Enabo said the agency had achieved 95 percent registration of intending pilgrims and 85 percent remittance of Hajj fares to NAHCON.
He advised intending pilgrims who had made an initial deposit of N5 million to hasten the completion of their payments.
The chairman also disclosed that the agency had commenced medical screening at the local government level, adding that the exercise would proceed to the zonal and state levels to ensure compliance with Saudi Arabian health requirements.
Yaro-Enabo appreciated Governor Idris for his unwavering support to the agency, which he said had contributed significantly to the successes recorded by the state.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Nasir Idris appreciated NAHCON leadership for deeming Kebbi worthy of receiving such a high-powered delegation.
He said the visit was an opportunity to brainstorm on ways to ensure the success of the 2027 Hajj operation.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Usman, said the commission was making concerted preparations for the 2027 Hajj operation.
Bin Usman, who is also the NAHCON Commissioner for the Northwest, said there is need for the commission to visit all geopolitical zones of the country to engage stakeholders and present its plans for the forthcoming pilgrimage.
According to him, state governors are critical stakeholders in ensuring the success of Hajj operations.
“It is important to appreciate the efforts of the Kebbi Government towards a successful Hajj operation. Kebbi had the highest number of pilgrims last year, and you did well.”