Aliyu gifts Sokoto pilgrims N450,000 each in Saudi Arabia

Governor Ahmed Aliyu has approved a cash gift of 1,000 Saudi Riyals—about N450,000—for each of the 2,410 Sokoto State pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The announcement was made in Mina on Thursday night by the state’s Amirul Hajj, Muhammad Mai Gari Dingyadi, who said the gesture was aimed at supporting pilgrims as they round off the spiritual exercise.

Dingyadi explained that the financial assistance would help ease expenses, particularly as the pilgrims prepare for their return journey to Nigeria.

He also commended the pilgrims for their discipline and adherence to Saudi regulations, noting that they conducted themselves responsibly throughout the Hajj period.

“We are proud of the exemplary conduct of Sokoto pilgrims. They have remained law-abiding and represented the state well,” he said.

The Amirul Hajj urged them to sustain the same level of discipline until the completion of the pilgrimage.

He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Aliyu administration to the welfare of Sokoto citizens, including pilgrims, and called on them to pray for peace, unity, and development in the state and across Nigeria.