GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA
PRESS RELEASE
Governor Radda Directs Early Sensitization on 2026 Hajj Registration
* Receives Chairman Of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, has directed the State Ministry for Religious Affairs and the Pilgrims Welfare Board to intensify sensitization campaigns on the importance of early registration for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The Governor emphasized 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, Governor Radda expressed deep appreciation for the Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
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.
Earlier in his remarks, Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh Pakistan explained that his visit was primarily to brief Governor Radda, in his capacity as Chairman of the North West Governors’ Forum, on the need for states to commence early mobilization of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj.
The NAHCON Chairman 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 emphasized 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 Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, Chief of Staff Government House,Hon Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, Commissioner of Religious Affairs Alhaji Isiaq Shehu Dabai, Deputy Chief of Staff Muntari Aliyu Saulawa as well as the Chairman and Secretary of the State's Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, Sarkin Alhazai and Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama.
Salwa radio and television online media services Katsina.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Katsina State
17 September, 2025
Category
Labarai