As preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage gather momentum, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu Abubakar, has issued a strong warning to intending pilgrims in the state, urging them to desist from depositing their Hajj fares with unauthorised agents operating in local government areas.
In an interview with Tribune Online in Kaduna, Malam Abubakar clarified that the agency does not engage any agents in the local government areas. Rather, he explained that the agency maintains dedicated officials manning its local government offices across all 23 LGAs of the state.
He reiterated that the agency has dedicated Registration Officers in all 23 Local Government Areas of the state, who are the sole recognised officials authorised to register intending pilgrims.
All deposits, he emphasised, must be made into a designated bank account of the agency only after obtaining a customised bank teller from these authorised registration officers.
“From our findings, unfortunately, these agents collect substantial amounts of money from helpless intending pilgrims in these rural communities, often to their detriment,” Malam Abubakar revealed, expressing concern over the exploitative practices.
The pilgrims boss, therefore, advised intending pilgrims to directly approach the genuine local government officials of the Pilgrims Agency for any financial transactions, particularly concerning deposits.
He assured them that the agency “will guide them without collecting any kobo, and their money will be safe.”
Alternatively, Malam Abubakar stated that intending pilgrims could also visit the agency’s headquarters in Kaduna to make their deposits, ensuring transparency and security of their funds.
Speaking on the recently concluded 2025 pilgrimage, Malam Abubakar described the Hajj as a “huge success,” commending the diligent efforts of the agency’s officials.
“Alhamdulillah, from our officials and pilgrims, there was no problem. Flight schedules to and fro Makkah were executed well, with no significant delays. We even received awards for our efficient conduct,” he proudly stated.
He also lauded the exemplary behaviour of Kaduna pilgrims, citing remarkable instances of honesty. “Our pilgrims too behaved themselves well. We have cases of two of our pilgrims returning over N14 million back to their rightful owners,” he added.
Looking ahead, Malam Abubakar confirmed that “Preparations for the 2026 Hajj will soon commence as soon as we receive directives from NAHCON (National Hajj Commission of Nigeria).”
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