Katsina Advances N3.8bn to Secure 2026 Hajj Slots
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Katsina State Government has advanced N3.8 billion to secure all 3,640 Hajj slots allocated to the state for the 2026 pilgrimage, pre-empting deadlines set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and eliminating payment risks for intending pilgrims.
The Executive Director of the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Yunusa Sani Dankama, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Katsina. He said the intervention, approved by Governor Dikko Umar Radda, was designed to de-risk the state’s Hajj operations and ensure zero forfeiture of allocated seats due to late remittances.
Dankama explained that the decision to cover the full allocation upfront was a strategic move to insulate intending pilgrims from payment bottlenecks and last-minute disqualifications, which have affected some states in previous Hajj exercises.
“With this proactive funding, no intending pilgrim from Katsina State will miss the 2026 Hajj on account of late payment. The early remittance has streamlined our operations and strengthened pilgrims’ confidence,” he said.
He noted that the governor’s sustained support has been instrumental in stabilising Hajj administration in the state over the past two years, positioning Katsina among states that meet NAHCON timelines without operational stress.
On preparations for the 2026 exercise, Dankama disclosed that the Board has commenced the printing of complimentary visas for 112 officials participating in the operation. The officials include 12 medical doctors, 17 religious preachers, 18 board officials, 11 loaders, and other essential support personnel.
“We have made significant progress in the 2026 Hajj operation with relative ease, largely due to the timely and adequate intervention of the state government,” he said.
Providing further clarification, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Board Ali Haruna Daura, told Hajj Gazette that the N3.8 billion remitted to NAHCON was a government-backed loan extended to the Board strictly to meet NAHCON’s payment deadline and prevent the risk of exclusion.
According to him, the loan will be recovered from intending pilgrims as registration and payments continue. “Payment is still ongoing until the entire allocation is exhausted and the government’s facility is fully recovered,” the PRO said.
