Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has directed the State Ministry for Religious Affairs and the Pilgrims Welfare Board to intensify sensitisation campaigns on the importance of early registration for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The governor emphasised that all available communication channels—radio, television, social media, and community meetings should be used to reach intending pilgrims across the state. He also urged Ulamas to use their sermons and teachings to remind worshippers in their communities about the need for timely registration.
Governor Radda gave the directive today when he received the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh Pakistan, who led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Government House, Katsina. In his remarks, Mr Radda expressed deep appreciation for the Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
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He assured the NAHCON delegation that Katsina State would give full support to all initiatives that make the Hajj process smoother and more efficient. The Governor further commended NAHCON for maintaining high standards in its operations and pledged to convey the Commission’s concerns to the North West Governors’ Forum, where he serves as Chairman. He also encouraged the Commission to strengthen its engagement with governors in the region to consolidate support for its activities.
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Earlier in his remarks, Professor Pakistan explained that his visit was primarily to brief Governor Radda, in his capacity as the Chairman of the North West Governors’ Forum, on the need for states to commence early mobilisation of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj. He noted that prompt payment of deposits by pilgrims would enable states to secure decent accommodation closer to the Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.
He stressed that delayed payments in previous years had often made it difficult for the Commission to access suitable facilities for pilgrims. Professor Pakistan also voiced concern over the recurring challenges caused by late registration and emphasised that only early planning would guarantee a smoother Hajj exercise.
He further requested Governor Radda to convey NAHCON’s gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely release of funds, which has greatly enhanced the Commission’s operations and planning for the pilgrimage.
The NAHCON Chairman was accompanied on the visit by senior management staff of the Commission. In attendance at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Katsina State Faruk Lawal Jobe, Chief of Staff Government House Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, Commissioner of Religious Affairs Isiaq Shehu Dabai, Deputy Chief of Staff Muntari Aliyu Saulawa as well as the Chairman and Secretary of the State’s Pilgrims Welfare Board Kabiru Ibrahim, Sarkin Alhazai and Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama.
