Gov Nasir Idris’ Trailblazing Reforms Elevating Hajj Operations And Enhancing Spiritual Fulfillment-Yahaya Sarki
Hajj, the Pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia, is one of the five pillars of Islam, which every adult Muslim must undertake once in a lifetime—provided he/she has the means.
In furtherance of its Good Governance Agenda, the current administration in Kebbi State headed by Comrade, Dr. Nasir Idris, the Kauran Gwandu, has prioritized support for Muslims in the state in order to ease the fulfillment of this spiritual obligation.
Since assuming office in 2023, the Governor has demonstrated unwavering commitment to improving every aspect of the Hajj operations. A major action was the appointment of Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Musa Yaro, (Enabo), a seasoned and dedicated professional, as Executive Chairman of Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency. He also inaugurated a functional board to assist in steering the Agency’s activities.
Under Alhaji Faruk’s leadership, significant infrastructural upgrades have taken place, including the construction of new offices to accommodate the growing needs of pilgrims, the renovation of the Hajj Camp named after Kauran Gwandu as well as the procurement of new buses for transportation of pilgrims.
A historic milestone was achieved in 2024 when Kebbi State hosted the national inaugural transportation of pilgrims from the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi to Jeddah ending the old practice of pilgrims traveling to Sokoto before leaving for Saudi Arabia. This landmark event was graced by Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.
To meet aviation requirements and facilitate this development, Governor Nasir Idris practically constructed a Fuel Aviation Dump at the airport, allowing planes to refuel locally—one of NAHCON’s and aviation authorities’ prerequisites.
Another demonstration of his commitment was the provision of N1 million subsidy per pilgrim in 2024, following a hike in Hajj fares by NAHCON. Kaura also shouldered the cost of sacrificial animals (Hadaya) and provided free meals for all Kebbi pilgrims in the Holy Land, a benevolence designed to continue in 2025.
These efforts were highly acknowledged internationally and nationwide. Kebbi State received recognition and awards from the Saudi Arabian authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for the outstanding success of the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Looking ahead, the Governor has already inaugurated the 2025 Hajj Committee, with the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, serving as the Amirul Hajj. A man of integrity and vision, the Emir will lead the Government delegation to the holy land with honour.
In addition,16 specialized committees have been established, including those in charge of accommodation, transportation, health, Da’awah, feeding, and more—all set to begin work immediately from May 5, 2025. The first flight is scheduled to leave on May 9, followed by additional flights on May 10, 11, and 12.
Governor Nasir Idris has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the welfare of pilgrims, declaring that as long as he remains the Governor, Kebbi pilgrims will continue to receive top priority and enjoy comfortability both at home and in Saudi Arabia.
The giant strides made in Kebbi State’s Hajj operations are true reflections of Governor Idris’ visionary leadership and excellent service delivery.
As the first batch of Kebbi State pilgrims departs for the 2025 Hajj on Friday, May 9, 2025, from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris’ assurance of a hitch-free exercise and commitment to their welfare from Kebbi to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia has brought excitement and confidence to the pilgrims and people of the state-Mr Yahaya Sarki, who is Governor Nasir Idris’ Special Adviser on Media, writes from Birni Kebbi, Kebbi State
