By Ali Rabiu Ali, Makkah
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has intensified preparations for the forthcoming Mashair activities as the 2026 Hajj exercise gathers momentum in Saudi Arabia.
Director General of the board, Alhaji Ahmad Umar Labbo, disclosed this in an interview with Skylink Multimedia in Makkah, saying the board had already integrated various committees responsible for coordinating key aspects of the pilgrimage.
According to him, the committees are expected to oversee transportation, passport sorting, health services, tent allocation and pilgrims’ orientation during the crucial stages of Hajj.
Labbo explained that the board had directed secretaries of the various committees to meet with members and resolve all pending issues ahead of the movement to Mashair, which includes Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
“What we are doing now is the integration of committees that will handle the Mashair activities. The committees include transportation, passport sorting, health, tent allocation and orientation,” he said.
He added that officials of the Saudi-based Hajj service provider, Moassasa, had already invited members of the committees for further discussions on the modalities for the exercise.
“As I am speaking to you, Moassasa has invited the committee members and within the next two hours we will meet with them to discuss the arrangements for the Mashair activities,” he stated.
The director general also attributed the smooth Hajj experience enjoyed by Jigawa pilgrims to the board’s deliberate policy of securing accommodation close to the Holy Mosque in Makkah.
He noted that the board considers the comfort and convenience of pilgrims as a major responsibility.
“As enshrined in the law establishing the board, our responsibility is to ensure that pilgrims perform Hajj with relative ease and comfort. That is why we always secure accommodation very close to the Haram,” he explained.
Labbo further stressed the importance of transparency in dealings with accommodation providers, saying the board prioritises quality services over personal gains.
“We always tell accommodation providers that what we need is quality service to the pilgrims and nothing more,” he added.
On feeding arrangements, the DG revealed that Jigawa pilgrims are enjoying what he described as a “special welfare package,” which includes three meals daily a gesture he said has attracted commendation from many quarters.
He also disclosed that the state government had earlier supported intending pilgrims with loan facilities, enabling many residents who could not afford the pilgrimage to fulfil the religious obligation.
Speaking on expectations from pilgrims as the Hajj rites approach, Labbo urged them to remain law-abiding and comply with Saudi regulations to avoid unnecessary embarrassment from security agencies.
“I want pilgrims to be law-abiding and obey all instructions given to them. Whoever violates the rules may face embarrassment from security officials,” he warned.
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has continued to receive praise from pilgrims over its welfare services, accommodation arrangements and medical support since the commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia.
