Jigawa approves ₦3.5bn loan for 2027 Hajj pilgrims

The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a ₦3.5 billion loan for the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for intending pilgrims from the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.

According to the commissioner, the approval reflects Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s citizens.

Musa said, “In line with His Excellency Umar Namadi’s administration’s proactive commitment to meeting the state government’s obligations, the Council has approved the release of the sum of Three Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira as a loan to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board.”

He explained that the money is for 466 intending pilgrims from the state.

“The loan is to facilitate the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from the state,” he stated.

Musa said the approval would help the state meet the requirements of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, noting that “the Council’s approval is aimed at ensuring the successful participation of its citizens in the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage while complying with the directives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.”

He added that “the loan is intended to enable the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to meet the deadline set by the National Hajj Commission as part of its efforts to comply with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s requirement for the early finalisation of contractual agreements.”

The early deposit, he noted, will secure logistics for pilgrims, adding that “the early payment will secure the state’s allocated Hajj slots and facilitate timely arrangements for accommodation, transportation, feeding and other essential services for the intending pilgrims.”

Musa described the move as strategic for proper planning.

“The Council noted that the early deposit is a strategic measure aimed at ensuring seamless planning and efficient coordination of all activities relating to the 2027 Hajj exercise,” he said.

The commissioner, therefore, urged all intending pilgrims to cooperate with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board by complying with all registration requirements and timelines.

“This is to ensure a smooth and successful 2027 Hajj exercise,” he added.

On the second approval, the commissioner announced funding for the renovation of a reformatory school.

“The Council has approved the award of a contract for the renovation of the first phase of the Reformatory School, Kafin Hausa, at a total cost of Two Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Sixty-Two Naira, Ninety-Eight Kobo,” Musa stated.

He said the project approval was in line with Governor Namadi’s commitment to strengthening the state’s correctional and rehabilitation system through the provision of modern facilities.

Explaining the goal of the renovation, Musa said, “The renovation project is expected to upgrade the school’s infrastructure and create a safe, secure and conducive environment for the delivery of rehabilitation services.”

He noted that the facility would help reform juvenile inmates, adding that “it is aimed at reforming and equipping juvenile inmates and other residents with the skills, discipline and values necessary for their successful reintegration into society as responsible and productive citizens.”

Furthermore, the commissioner said the project supports the government’s broader social welfare agenda.

“The Council noted that the project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve social welfare institutions and promote restorative justice,” he said.

He added that the state government was tackling the root causes of juvenile crime while providing opportunities for personal development and social inclusion.