By Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
The Gombe State Government has paid the sum of ₦5 billion to secure the over 950 Hajj seats allocated to the state for the 2026 pilgrimage, ahead of the December 5, 2025 deadline set by the National Hajj Commission for all states to complete their payments.
Speaking to journalists in his office, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, said the funds were provided as a loan to ensure the state meets the national payment deadline and does not lose its Hajj allocation.
He explained that intending pilgrims are expected to pay their 2026 Hajj fares on or before the end of December 2025, so the board can refund the state government after payments are completed.
Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the timely intervention, describing it as a major step toward safeguarding the interests of intending pilgrims from the state.
He appealed to all intending pilgrims to make early payments, stressing that the allocation of the 2026 Hajj seats will be strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
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