By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj exercise and the overall welfare of intending pilgrims from Gombe State.
Receiving a delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on a working visit to the Government House, Gombe, the Governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi assured the team that the state government will provide all necessary logistical and institutional support to enable the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board meet the operational timelines set by the Saudi authorities.
Professor Njodi emphasised that Governor Yahaya’s administration remains deeply committed to religious welfare and will continue to collaborate closely with national institutions, such as NAHCON, to ensure a seamless and spiritually uplifting pilgrimage experience for all Gombe pilgrims.
He acknowledged that while payments from intending pilgrims have been relatively slow, the state government is exploring all available options to assist the Pilgrims Welfare Board in meeting its financial and administrative obligations ahead of the December 21, 2025 remittance deadline.
Highlighting the importance of proactive engagement, Professor Njodi announced that the government will intensify public enlightenment campaigns across the state to encourage early registration and full payment by prospective pilgrims.
On health-related matters, he reaffirmed that Gombe will maintain its record of excellence by enforcing mandatory vaccination and comprehensive medical screening for all intending pilgrims in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s updated Hajj health regulations.
He further commended NAHCON for its ongoing reforms, transparency, and coordination in Hajj management nationwide, describing the Commission as a “reliable and indispensable partner in promoting religious service and national integrity.
In his remarks, the North-East Zonal Commissioner at NAHCON, Alhaji Abba Jatau, appealed to the Gombe State Government to support the Pilgrims Welfare Board in meeting the Saudi-mandated payment deadline of December 21, 2025.
He explained that the new 2026 Hajj calendar issued by Saudi authorities requires early remittances to facilitate effective planning, slot allocation, and visa processing.
Jatau warned that any state unable to meet the stipulated timeline risks exclusion from the 2026 exercise a setback he said, that can be avoided through prompt government intervention.
He further revealed that visa issuance for the 2026 Hajj will officially close on February 2, 2026, underscoring the importance of early coordination between state boards, NAHCON, and Saudi officials.
The NAHCON Commissioner also drew attention to new health directives from Saudi Arabia mandating full vaccination for all intending pilgrims, while excluding pregnant women, the elderly, the sick, and those with mental health conditions from performing the pilgrimage.
In a particularly glowing commendation, Alhaji Abba Jatau lauded Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, for his consistent leadership, integrity, and exceptional management of Hajj affairs.
He described Alhaji Sa’adu as “a model administrator whose professionalism, accountability, and dedication to service continue to set Gombe apart as one of the most efficient states in Hajj operations across Nigeria.”
He further acknowledged the Executive Secretary’s outstanding coordination from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia where Gombe pilgrims consistently enjoy superior welfare, excellent accommodation, effective transportation, and prompt service delivery during every stage of the pilgrimage.
Responding, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan expressed profound appreciation to Governor Inuwa Yahaya and NAHCON for their sustained support and cooperation.
He reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to intensify sensitisation campaigns across all 11 local government areas of the state to ensure intending pilgrims complete their payments well ahead of the deadline.
Alhaji Sa’adu also reiterated the Board’s commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to NAHCON’s operational guidelines.
According to him, with the continued backing of the Inuwa Yahaya administration, Gombe pilgrims will once again experience a well-organised, spiritually enriching, and hitch-free Hajj in 2026.
The NAHCON delegation, led by Alhaji Abba Jatau, included senior management staff of the Commission and the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. On the government’s side, the delegation was received by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, and the Permanent Secretary, Special Services and Political Affairs, Salisu Adamu Sambo, alongside the SSG.
Discussions centred on enhancing collaboration, promoting early preparation, and aligning the state’s Hajj operations with new international standards and timelines.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to strengthen coordination, maintain constant communication, and ensure technical cooperation to prevent last-minute challenges often associated with Hajj logistics.
NAHCON recently launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign to enlighten state pilgrims’ welfare boards on the revised Saudi Hajj timetable. Under the new arrangement, all financial and documentation processes must be completed much earlier than in previous years to improve coordination and enhance pilgrims’ welfare.
The 2026 Hajj, organised under a new Saudi lunar calendar, will mark the beginning of a more structured, technology-driven management system for all participating nations.
With the renewed partnership between the Gombe State Government, the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and NAHCON, stakeholders are confident that Gombe will once again uphold its legacy of excellence and set the benchmark for efficient Hajj administration in Nigeria.
According to officials, the visit reflects Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s enduring commitment to promoting religious harmony, administrative efficiency, and the spiritual development of his citizens.