Hajj 2026; Niger Assembly passes a vote of confidence on Governor Bago, Pilgrims board
for hitch free exercise
Following the hitch free exercise during the just concluded 2026 Hajj operation by the Niger State Pilgrims welfare board, the state house of assembly on Tuesday passed a vote of confidence on the governor, Umar Mohammed Bago for providing the enabling environment to the Pilgrims board for a successful Hajj exercise.
The house was also full of praises for the management and staff of the Pilgrims welfare board both at home and in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for living up to expectations, describing their performance as impressive and commendable.
This follows the presentation of report by the house standing committee on religious affairs on this year’s Hajj exercise by its chairman and member representing Agaie constituency,
Hon. Muhammad Etsugaie on the floor of the house.
Recalled that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had adjourned the state pilgrims board as the best performing board in the country during the just concluded 2026 Hajj exercise and asked other states of the federation to emulate it for its steadfastness.
Presenting the report before the house, the committee said there was a remarkable improvement in the general welfare of the 2,281 pilgrims from the state that performed this year’s Hajj.
The Committee maintained that due to the overwhelming support by the governor, challenges hitherto encountered by pilgrims were addressed to the bearest minimum.
According to the report, “all the Pilgrims were adequately fed and provided the necessary medications, food and a befitting accomodations. This a clear departure from what was obtained in the past”.
The committee disclosed that following the intervention of the governor, “all other stakeholders involved in the Hajj operations, including operational staff of the board, board members, medical team were equally provided for in terms of allowances for the first time.
“It is on this note that the committee moved that the house pass a vote of confidence on the governor, the executive secretary, the entire staff of the Pilgrims welfare board for their steadfastness and people centered approach, particularly on Hajj activities”.
The speaker of the house who presided the plenary, commended the governor for support given the Pilgrims welfare board, stressing that for the first time, Hajj exercise in the state was hitch free.
The speaker acknowledged the efforts and contributions of the governor, executive secretary and management of the Pilgrims welfare board, and all other stakeholders in ensuring a successful Hajj exercise recorded by the state.
“It is on this note that I enjoyed all of us to give the governor and the Pilgrims welfare board a standing ovation for ensuring a successful Hajj exercise for 2026”, he said.
