By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu
Gombe State has reached an advanced stage in its preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise, recording near-total success in visa processing and logistical arrangements for intending pilgrims.
Authorities say the state is fully on track to deliver a seamless and well-coordinated pilgrimage, with most critical requirements already completed ahead of schedule.
The Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, disclosed this in a telephone interview with our correspondent.
He provided a detailed account of the board’s progress, highlighting key achievements in documentation, logistics, and pilgrim readiness.
According to him, a total of 960 pilgrims have been officially registered to perform the 2026 Hajj from Gombe State.
He explained that the figure excludes essential operational personnel, including three board officials and four medical team members.
These individuals, he noted, will travel under separate official arrangements and are not counted among the registered pilgrims.
In terms of visa processing, the Executive Secretary revealed that nearly all registered pilgrims have successfully secured their travel documents.
He stated that only one case remains pending out of an initial 13 pilgrims referred to the embassy for further clarification.
“Out of the 13, 12 have been cleared after necessary corrections were made through the embassy in Kano,” he said.
The outstanding case, he explained, involves a pilgrim who temporarily retrieved his passport to undertake this year’s Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
As a result, the passport was unavailable for the completion of visa processing at the required time.
Despite this, the board has formally communicated with relevant authorities to clarify the pilgrim’s status as a duly registered participant.
He expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved promptly, citing assurances from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
“In essence, we have achieved virtually 100 per cent success in visa issuance, with all visas downloaded and printed,” he affirmed.
Beyond visa processing, Alhaji Hassan disclosed that all necessary vaccination yellow cards have been secured.
He said the Yellow cards are ready for distribution to pilgrims in line with international travel health requirements.
The only outstanding component, he added, is the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), which has already been requested.
“We submitted our request last week and are expecting disbursement at any moment,” he stated.
On logistics, the board has completed procurement of uniforms and high-quality luggage for all pilgrims.
These items are scheduled for distribution immediately after the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Following the festive break, the board will resume its enlightenment programme for pilgrims.
The programme, known as BITA, is designed to educate pilgrims on Hajj rites, travel procedures, and general conduct during the pilgrimage.
Sessions are conducted both in Gombe metropolis and across various local government headquarters.
He noted that activities are currently on hold to allow pilgrims to observe Ramadan and engage in spiritual reflection.
However, the programme will intensify after Sallah to ensure that all pilgrims are adequately prepared.
As the departure period approaches, the board aims to conclude all training sessions and finalise travel logistics.
Alhaji Hassan expressed confidence that the state will meet all timelines ahead of the airlift to Saudi Arabia.
He attributed the remarkable progress largely to the proactive support of the Gombe State Government.
In particular, he commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his decisive intervention.
The Governor approved the release of five billion Naira to facilitate early payment of Hajj deposits on behalf of intending pilgrims.
According to the Executive Secretary, this strategic move enabled the state to meet deadlines set by the national authorities.
He explained that many pilgrims were initially unable to make payments due to ongoing farming activities.
“The Governor stepped in and paid on behalf of the pilgrims, who later reimbursed the government,” he said.
He described the intervention as timely, visionary, and critical to the overall success of the exercise.
Alhaji Hassan offered special appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of pilgrims.
He also acknowledged the collective efforts of stakeholders who contributed to the smooth progress recorded so far.
In conclusion, he expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah and reaffirmed the board’s determination to deliver a hitch-free Hajj operation.
He further prayed for continued guidance, protection, and success for the leadership and people of Gombe State as preparations advance toward completion.