Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu gave N450,000 to 2,410 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to assist with their 2026 Hajj expenses [1].
The gesture provides critical financial relief to citizens performing the religious pilgrimage during a period of economic volatility. By offsetting the cost of the return journey and daily expenses, the state government aims to ensure the spiritual obligations of the pilgrims are completed without financial distress.
Governor Aliyu said the gift on Thursday night while the pilgrims were in Mina, Saudi Arabia [1], [2]. The payment of N450,000 per person is approximately 1,000 Saudi Riyals [2], [3].
While some reports indicate the number of recipients reached as high as 3,200 [4], other verified records list the total at 2,410 pilgrims [1]. The funds were distributed as a Sallah and Eid gift to support the travelers [3], [4].
Aliyu said the gift was a recognition of the pilgrims' conduct during their journey. He urged the recipients to offer prayers for the peace and progress of Nigeria as they conclude their rites [1], [4].
The distribution occurred as part of the state's support system for the 2026 Hajj season [1]. The governor's presence in Mina allowed for the direct coordination of these payments to ensure the funds reached the pilgrims before their departure from the kingdom [2], [3].
“Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu gave N450,000 to 2,410 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia”
This financial intervention highlights the role of state governments in Nigeria in subsidizing religious obligations for their constituents. By providing direct cash transfers in foreign currency equivalents, the Sokoto state government is mitigating the impact of currency fluctuations on pilgrims who may have struggled with the rising costs of the 2026 Hajj season.
