By Segun Adewale in Gombe
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has been recognised by Hajj Gazette as Nigeria’s top-performing state in accommodation management during the 2026 Hajj operation.
The award, presented at the board’s headquarters in Dutse, honours the board for securing accommodation for its pilgrims in close proximity to the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
The presentation was made by Malam Awwal Ahmed Umar, representing the Hajj Gazette committee responsible for the assessment.
According to the committee, the recognition followed a combination of statistical analysis, on-site verification and interviews with pilgrims who participated in the 2026 Hajj.
The assessment found that Jigawa State secured some of the closest accommodation to the Haram for its pilgrims, reducing the distance they had to cover and improving convenience during the pilgrimage.
The committee also commended the board for the quality of its catering services, which it said contributed to the overall welfare and comfort of the pilgrims.
Receiving the award, the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ahmad Umar Labbo, FCFA, NFI, expressed appreciation to Hajj Gazette for the recognition.
Labbo attributed the achievement to the board’s open-door policy, transparency and commitment to improving services for pilgrims.
He said the board remained committed to providing quality pilgrimage services while maintaining transparency and rejecting corrupt practices in the management of pilgrims’ affairs.
The director-general further assured that the board would sustain its focus on pilgrims’ welfare and continue to improve its services in future Hajj operations.
The recognition comes as state pilgrims’ welfare agencies across Nigeria continue to review their performance in the 2026 Hajj and prepare for the 2027 pilgrimage.
Hajj Gazette said its assessment was designed to highlight measurable performance and service delivery in areas that directly affect pilgrims’ experience, including accommodation, feeding and general welfare.
