The Kebbi State Government has clarified that the N10 billion referenced by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in a recent statement was not a subsidy or diversion of public funds for Hajj sponsorship, but a short-term loan to assist intending pilgrims in meeting the strict payment deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The clarification was made at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed. He explained that the funds were advanced through the state’s Pilgrims Welfare Agency on a recoverable basis and fully refunded to the government within eleven days.
According to Ahmed, NAHCON had fixed December 5, 2025, as the final date for full payment for the 2026 Hajj season. By that date, Kebbi State had recorded approximately 2,000 fully paid pilgrims. However, about 1,300 other intending pilgrims had only made partial deposits, leaving their participation at risk.
“The short-term intervention ensured that the unpaid balances did not cost the state its formally allocated Hajj slots,” Ahmed said. He noted that many of the affected pilgrims are seasonal farmers and traders, whose ability to meet the deadline depended on the returns from late-year harvests and market activities.
The commissioner added that repayment of the N10 billion was completed on December 16, 2025, and that supporting documentation, including bank and agency records, were available for verification.
He further disclosed that the intervention raised the total number of fully paid Kebbi pilgrims to 3,629 for the upcoming Hajj, making the state the second-highest contributor nationally and among the first batch approved for airlift.
On claims that the funds reflected misplaced public priorities, Ahmed said that ongoing investments in healthcare—particularly in tertiary and primary health facilities—remained unaffected. He described the Hajj funding arrangement as a “temporary liquidity bridge” rather than a subsidy or outright sponsorship.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) had, over the weekend, questioned the propriety of deploying public funds into what it described as Hajj-related financing. The organisation argued that such expenditure risked diverting state resources away from critical social sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure and could set an undesirable precedent for future financial management.
Hajj-related funding has often been a recurring topic of debate in Nigeria. State and federal authorities are responsible for overseeing pilgrim registration, logistics, and airlift coordination, while NAHCON enforces strict rules on full payment for Hajj slots. Historically, Nigerian states do not sponsor Hajj participation outright. However, many northern states, including Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto, have occasionally provided administrative support, logistical assistance, and, in some cases, temporary financial interventions to meet regulatory requirements.
In recent years, fluctuating exchange rates and stricter payment deadlines by NAHCON have intensified liquidity pressures among intending pilgrims. Most pilgrims operate seasonal businesses, particularly in agriculture and local trade, which affects their ability to meet deadlines imposed months in advance. Delays or missed payments could result in the loss of allocated slots, creating both financial and social difficulties for the affected families.
Kebbi State has consistently ranked among the top participating states in Hajj operations. Large rural constituencies and strong demand for pilgrimage enrollment make timely payments critical. Officials say losing slots due to non-payment could alienate constituents who have already made substantial deposits toward their pilgrimage.
Ahmed urged advocacy groups, religious organisations, and commentators to verify financial details before issuing public statements. He said the state government remains committed to accountability, transparency, and prudent resource management in all interventions.
“This intervention was purely technical and temporary, aimed at helping intending pilgrims fulfil NAHCON’s deadlines,” he said. “It should not be misunderstood as a diversion of public funds or a subsidy.”
The commissioner added that the Pilgrims Welfare Agency closely monitored the loan disbursement and repayment, ensuring that all funds were returned promptly to the state treasury. According to Ahmed, the success of the operation demonstrates the government’s ability to support constituents while maintaining strict financial discipline.
MURIC’s concerns reflect broader debates across Nigeria about public spending on religious activities. Some advocacy groups have warned that state intervention in Hajj financing could set a precedent that encourages dependency, while others argue that assisting low-income pilgrims is part of social responsibility and religious support.
Despite the criticism, the Kebbi State government says its intervention was necessary to protect the interests of its residents and ensure compliance with federal regulations. The state’s Pilgrims Welfare Agency worked closely with financial institutions and NAHCON to ensure that the temporary loan arrangement was executed efficiently.
Officials noted that the timing of the loan was crucial. Missing the December 5 deadline would have meant losing a portion of Kebbi State’s Hajj slots, leaving hundreds of intending pilgrims unable to participate despite having partially paid. By providing the liquidity bridge, the state ensured that all fully paid pilgrims could proceed without financial or bureaucratic obstacles.
Kebbi’s approach is consistent with the practices of other northern states with large Hajj contingents. Historically, Kano, Sokoto, and Kaduna have similarly provided temporary support to intending pilgrims facing payment deadlines, while strictly monitoring repayment and maintaining transparency.
The intervention has not only secured the Hajj slots but also reinforced the state’s position as a leading contributor to national pilgrim numbers. With 3,629 fully paid pilgrims, Kebbi ranks second in the country and is expected to be part of the first wave of airlifted pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed concluded by assuring residents that the government will continue to support their religious aspirations while maintaining fiscal discipline. He urged the public to appreciate the technical nature of the intervention and to distinguish between temporary loans and state sponsorship.
“The government is committed to providing necessary support to its people without compromising other critical sectors,” he said. “Our focus remains on prudent management, accountability, and ensuring that Kebbi State continues to lead in Hajj participation while maintaining its social and economic priorities.”