*Photo R-L: Gov. Umar Namadi receiving the report from the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi*
Governor Umar Namadi has described the 2026 AD Hajj operation as one of the most successful in Jigawa State’s history, commending the Amirul Hajj Team, the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, and other officials for delivering a well-coordinated pilgrimage while announcing that construction of a permanent Hajj camp will commence before the end of the year.
The governor stated this on Friday at the Government House, Dutse, while receiving the 1447AH (2026AD) Hajj Operation Report from the Amirul Hajj and the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hamim Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi, who led the state’s pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this year’s pilgrimage.
Governor Namadi said the report, alongside independent assessments, confirmed the outstanding performance of Jigawa State during the Hajj exercise.
“Today, we have received the report of 1447 AH, equivalent to the 2026 Hajj operation, from the Amirul Hajj and members of the Amirul Hajj delegation. The report has indicated that Jigawa State is the best in terms of preparation and in terms of conduct. This was really confirmed by the Independent Hajj Report of Nigeria.”
He praised the leadership provided by the Amirul Hajj and the state’s traditional rulers, saying that their commitment had contributed significantly to the consistent success of Jigawa’s Hajj operations over the past three years.
“Your Royal Highness, I also want to use this opportunity to thank all our Royal Highnesses because, for the last three years, they have been leading the Hajj delegation, and the operation has been very, very successful. We have no words to convey our appreciation for your commitment, for your dedication, and for the love of your people. We sincerely appreciate this.”
The governor also commended the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, members of the management team, zonal officers, preachers, and other officials for ensuring quality accommodation, feeding, transportation, and other logistical arrangements that distinguished Jigawa State throughout the exercise.
Governor Namadi disclosed that prudent management of the Hajj operation had resulted in significant financial refunds for both pilgrims and the state government.
“Due to early preparations, due to commitment, and due to diligence, our pilgrims have gotten so far almost ₦44 million, which translates to about ₦58,300 for each pilgrim. Your Royal Highness, this is in addition to about ₦27 million that will also be refunded to the state government.”
He described the refunds as evidence of prudent management of public resources.
“Your Royal Highness, this is accountability and transparency at the highest level. Your Royal Highness, the DG, and the management team, we thank you most sincerely for this level of transparency and accountability you have displayed and certainly responsibility.”
Responding to recommendations contained in the report, Governor Namadi said the state government had already made arrangements to provide a lasting solution to challenges associated with the temporary Hajj camp.
“Like you have pointed out, Your Royal Highness, our arrangement for a permanent Islamic Centre, which includes the Hajj Camp, is very much on course. In sha Allah, before the end of this year, the project will start. This will certainly give us a permanent solution.”
He also assured the Amirul Hajj that the state government would engage the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over challenges experienced with feeding arrangements during the Masha’ir stage of the pilgrimage and would carefully consider all recommendations contained in the report.
“Your Royal Highness, we have noted the recommendations, which are very good and direct. These recommendations will certainly help our Hajj operations if they are implemented. I want to assure Your Royal Highness that these recommendations will, hopefully, be implemented, In sha Allah.”
Earlier presenting the report, the Amirul Hajj attributed the success to the state government’s early preparations, including the approval of a ₦3.4 billion loan that secured Jigawa State’s Hajj allocation, timely registration of pilgrims on the Saudi Nusuk Masar Portal, the deployment of preachers and Centre Officers, and the governor’s sponsorship of a special feeding arrangement for pilgrims.
He reported that Jigawa State was elevated to Mu’assasa Field Office Number One in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and received the Best Pilgrims’ Accommodation Award from Al-Suada Company, while pilgrims also benefited from free eye treatment provided by a Saudi-based philanthropic organisation.