Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approved a ₦5 billion bailout to cover outstanding Hajj fares, ensuring the full participation of the state’s pilgrims in the 2026 pilgrimage despite a tight payment timeline.
The announcement was welcomed by intending pilgrims during a press briefing at the Gombe State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board headquarters, where Executive Secretary Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan explained that only a small fraction of pilgrims had completed their payments. Most traditionally settle their fares around December and January, following harvests and livestock sales, which clashed with the earlier deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“With the 5 December deadline fast approaching and very few payments made, we had no option but to seek the Governor’s intervention. Saudi authorities are preparing for the world, not one country; they will not wait. To avoid losing our slots, we needed urgent support,” Hassan said.
He revealed that the Governor promptly approved ₦5 billion to offset the outstanding balance for Gombe’s 950 allocated Hajj slots. With the bailout in place, pilgrims now have an extended window to settle their fares beyond the Saudi-issued deadline.
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Hassan, who also serves as an adviser to the NAHCON Chairman, urged all beneficiaries to repay their Hajj fees promptly. “The Hajj this year is not as usual. No state will receive extra slots beyond their allocation. Gombe has retained its 950 seats, and pilgrims must complete their payments to secure accommodation and services,” he warned.
The Governor’s intervention is expected to stabilise Gombe’s Hajj preparations, allowing officials to travel to Saudi Arabia to finalise accommodation and logistics without fear of losing the state’s allocation.
For many intending pilgrims, the bailout provides not only financial relief but also reassurance that their spiritual journey remains within reach.
Abubakar Muhammad of Yelenguruza, Gombe, described the Governor’s action as a “lifeline” for prospective pilgrims struggling to meet the 5 December deadline. “We are very happy to hear that the Governor has paid off the balance of our Hajj fare which many of us were unable to raise due to the short notice from NAHCON. If not for this gesture, many of us would have missed Hajj because we were still trying to sell our farm produce and livestock. We assure the government that we will refund the loan before departing. By the time we reach Makkah, we will pray for peace in our state and the country,” Muhammad said.
