By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has remitted N9.5 billion to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the 2027 Hajj, covering 1,417 intending pilgrims.
The payment exceeds the state’s initial allocation of 987 seats by 430 pilgrims, prompting the Board to seek additional slots from NAHCON to accommodate other intending pilgrims who have completed registration and payment.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Malam Sa’adu Hassan, disclosed this on Monday during a sensitisation visit by a delegation of NAHCON officials led by the Commissioner in charge of the North-East Zone, Malam Abba Jato.
Sa’adu said the Board began preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage immediately after the completion of the 2026 Hajj, allowing it to commence mobilisation, registration and payment early.
He said the early start enabled the state to secure payment from 1,417 pilgrims despite receiving an initial allocation of only 987 seats.
According to him, the Board is currently seeking additional allocation from NAHCON to cater for the increasing number of intending pilgrims in the state.
“We may require at least 500 additional seats, considering the number of intending pilgrims who have completed their payments and registration, as well as other sponsored pilgrims,” he said.
The Executive Secretary expressed optimism that NAHCON would consider Gombe’s request, noting that the Commission had encouraged states to commence preparations early and ensure compliance with Hajj requirements.
He also said the early payment had eased the financial pressure associated with advance Hajj remittances.
Sa’adu recalled that the state government had previously intervened through a loan arrangement to enable the Board to meet advance payment obligations when payment requirements were announced at short notice.
He said the experience encouraged the Board to commence preparations for the 2027 Hajj immediately after the return of the 2026 pilgrims.
“By starting early, we have been able to mobilise intending pilgrims and secure the required payments without waiting until the last minute,” he said.
Speaking during the visit, NAHCON Commissioner for the North-East, Malam Abba Jato, commended the Gombe Board for its early preparations and payment compliance.
Jato said the state had not only paid for all its registered pilgrims but had also exceeded its initial allocation, assuring the Board that it would consider its request for additional seats.
He said the sensitisation exercise was organised to brief state authorities and intending pilgrims on new developments in Hajj administration, particularly changes arising from policies introduced by the Saudi Arabian authorities.
The Commissioner said the Hajj system was gradually moving towards a business-to-business model, with licensed private tour operators expected to play an increasingly prominent role in the provision of pilgrimage services.
He explained that Nigeria had secured a three-year transition period to enable stakeholders to adjust to the emerging system.
Jato also urged states and intending pilgrims to comply strictly with Saudi Arabia’s health regulations and other mandatory requirements.
He warned that failure to meet the stipulated health conditions could attract sanctions, stressing the importance of early medical screening, proper documentation and compliance with all Hajj guidelines.
The development places Gombe among the states that have commenced early preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage, with the Board now awaiting NAHCON’s decision on its request for additional seats.