By IBRAHIM BELLO

The Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Agency (KPWA), on Saturday, announced extension of deadline for intending pilgrims to make payments for the 2026 Hajj up to December 16.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had fixed Dec. 5, as the payments deadline for the 2026 Hajj fare without extension.

Briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, the Executive Chairman of the agency, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Yaro, said the extension followed the release of N10 billion by Gov. Nasir Idris to secure 1,300 additional Hajj seats for the state.

The chairman described the governor’s intervention as a decisive humanitarian move to ensure that no resident willing to perform the pilgrimage next year was left behind.

Aliyu-Yaro observed that the governor’s approval and immediate release of N10 billion had placed Kebbi among the most prepared states for the 2026 pilgrimage.

“Gov. Idris has approved and released N10 billion to secure about 1,300 Hajj slots for our intending pilgrims.

“With this development, the door is now open for all intending pilgrims to make their payments of N7,696,769:79 up to Monday, Dec. 16, 2025,” he said.

Aliyu-Yaro added that the gesture had not only safeguarded the state’s allocation but had also provided financial relief for many intending pilgrims who feared missing out the exercise.

“The agency has commenced all necessary arrangements to process payments, documentation, and other preparatory requirements for eligible applicants,” he said.

The chairman added that NAHCON had formally approved Flynas as the official airline to airlift 2026 Kebbi intending pilgrims to and fro Saudi Arabia.

Aliyu-Yaro commended Gov. Idris for what he described as a timely, compassionate, and people-centred intervention.

“Kebbi continues to distinguish itself through early planning and firm commitment to citizens’ welfare under the leadership of Gov. Idris and the supports from his two wives Hajiya Zainab-Nasare Idris and Hajiya Nafisa Idris.

“It is pertinent to note that Kebbi has started preparation for the 2026 Hajj exercise about seven to eight months ago.

“We are praying to retain our position as the best state in preparation, operation and conduct of the Hajj exercise across Nigeria,” the chairman prayed. (NAN)