The Kebbi State Government has countered claims by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) regarding a N10 billion Hajj intervention, stating that the fund was a short-term loan that has been fully repaid, with no loss of public money.
The government's position was detailed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, during a press briefing he organised in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. The briefing was called specifically in response to questions raised by MURIC about the government's support for intending pilgrims.
The commissioner explained that the intervention was a temporary bridge loan, not a grant, which was fully recovered within 11 days. This measure, he said, successfully secured 3,629 fully-paid Hajj slots for the state's pilgrims, positioning them for a first-batch airlift on May 2nd.
"To avert this situation and prevent eligible pilgrims from missing the opportunity to perform the Hajj, the state government approved a short-term loan strictly on the understanding that it would be repaid within two weeks," Ahmed stated. "The agreement was fully honoured, as the entire N10 billion was repaid by 16 December 2025, just 11 days after the intervention."
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The situation arose from a 5 December 2025 deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. With about 1,300 pilgrims at risk of forfeiting their slots due to incomplete payments, Ahmed noted the government acted with foresight, understanding the economic cycles of its citizens, many of whom are farmers and traders.
"The government acted with confidence in the pilgrims' capacity to repay promptly, and that confidence was justified," he said.
Addressing suggestions that the funds should have been allocated to other sectors, the commissioner asserted that Governor Nasir Idris's administration remains committed to all areas of development, citing significant investments in healthcare, including hospital construction and the hiring of additional medical staff. "Within two and a half years, the administration has delivered about 90 per cent of its campaign promises across sectors," Ahmed affirmed.
While acknowledging MURIC's role as a watchdog, the commissioner advised the group to verify all facts before making public statements and extended an offer of complete transparency to validate the government's account.
"There was no delay, no default and no loss of public funds," Ahmed reiterated. "Kebbi government remains committed to transparency and is open to engagement. All relevant records will be made available to establish the full facts."
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