- Jigawa approved a ₦3.5bn loan for the 2027 Hajj deposit
- The fund will cover 466 intending pilgrims
- The state also approved ₦277.2m to renovate a reformatory school
The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a ₦3.5 billion loan to enable the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to pay the 2027 Hajj deposit for intending pilgrims from the state.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the approval was announced on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Dutse.
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Musa said the decision reflects Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to supporting residents and ensuring that the state meets all requirements for the 2027 pilgrimage.
According to him, the loan will cover the Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims, allowing the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to meet the deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He explained that the early payment is necessary to comply with Saudi Arabia’s requirement for the timely completion of contractual arrangements for the pilgrimage.
The commissioner noted that making the deposit ahead of schedule would secure Jigawa’s allocated Hajj slots and facilitate early planning for accommodation, transportation, feeding and other essential services for pilgrims.
He described the move as a strategic step that would ensure efficient planning and smooth coordination of activities leading to the 2027 Hajj exercise.
Musa also urged all intending pilgrims to cooperate with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board by completing their registration and fulfilling all required procedures within the stipulated timeframe.
In a separate decision, the Executive Council approved the award of a contract worth ₦277.2 million for the first phase of the renovation of the Reformatory School in Kafin Hausa.
According to the commissioner, the project forms part of Governor Namadi’s efforts to improve correctional and rehabilitation facilities across the state.
He said the renovation would upgrade infrastructure at the institution, creating a safer and more conducive environment for the rehabilitation and training of juvenile inmates.
Musa added that the improved facility would equip residents with practical skills, discipline and positive values needed for successful reintegration into society.
He explained that the project aligns with the state’s broader social welfare agenda, which focuses on strengthening rehabilitation programmes, promoting restorative justice and addressing the root causes of juvenile crime through education and skills development.
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