Jigawa Approves ₦3.5 Billion Loan to Fund 2027 Hajj for 466 Pilgrims

• The Jigawa State Government has approved a ₦3.5 billion loan to fund the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims while also approving ₦277.2 million for the renovation of the Kafin Hausa Reformatory School.

The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a ₦3.5 billion loan to enable the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from the state.

The approval was announced on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, while briefing journalists after the Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Dutse.

According to Musa, the decision underscores Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to the welfare of Jigawa residents and ensuring that intending pilgrims meet the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)’s deadlines.

“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 to facilitate the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from the state,” he said.

He explained that the early payment is necessary to comply with NAHCON’s directive and Saudi Arabia’s requirement for the early completion of contractual arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.

According to the commissioner, the early deposit will help secure Jigawa’s allocated Hajj slots and ensure timely arrangements for accommodation, transportation, feeding and other essential services for pilgrims.

Musa described the move as a strategic step aimed at ensuring seamless planning and efficient coordination of all activities relating to the 2027 Hajj exercise.

He also urged intending pilgrims to cooperate fully with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board by completing all registration requirements within the stipulated timelines.

Council Approves ₦277 Million for Reformatory School Renovation

In a separate decision, the Executive Council also approved the award of a ₦277.2 million contract for the first phase of the renovation of the Reformatory School in Kafin Hausa.

Musa said the project aligns with Governor Namadi’s commitment to strengthening the state’s correctional and rehabilitation system by providing modern facilities for juvenile offenders.

According to him, the renovation will upgrade the school’s infrastructure, create a safer and more conducive learning environment, and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile inmates into society.

He added that the project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve social welfare institutions, promote restorative justice and address the root causes of juvenile crime through skills development and social inclusion.