The Jigawa State Executive Council has approved a ₦3.5 billion loan to facilitate the payment of the 2027 Hajj deposit for 466 intending pilgrims from the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Dutse.

According to Musa, the approval reflects Governor Umar Namadi’s commitment to meeting the welfare needs of residents and ensuring the state fulfils its obligations under the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) guidelines.

He said the loan would enable the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board to pay the required deposit within the deadline set by the commission.

“In line with His Excellency, Umar Namadi’s administration’s proactive commitment to meeting the state government’s obligations, the Council has approved the release of the sum of Three Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira as a loan to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board,” he said.

Musa explained that the early payment would secure the state’s allocated Hajj slots and allow timely arrangements for accommodation, transportation, feeding and other logistics for intending pilgrims.

He noted that the approval was also necessary to comply with Saudi Arabia’s requirement for the early conclusion of contractual agreements relating to the annual pilgrimage.

According to the commissioner, the Council considered the early deposit a strategic step towards ensuring effective planning and smooth coordination of the 2027 Hajj exercise.

He urged intending pilgrims to cooperate with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board by completing all registration requirements within the stipulated timelines.

The Executive Council also approved the award of a ₦277.2 million contract for the first phase of the renovation of the Reformatory School in Kafin Hausa.

Musa said the project aligns with the state government’s commitment to strengthening the correctional and rehabilitation system through the provision of improved facilities.

He explained that the renovation would upgrade infrastructure at the institution and provide a safer and more conducive environment for rehabilitation programmes.

According to him, the project is aimed at equipping juvenile inmates and other residents with the skills, discipline and values needed for successful reintegration into society.

Musa added that the initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve social welfare institutions, promote restorative justice and address the underlying causes of juvenile crime through rehabilitation and social inclusion.