The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has begun training its zonal officers on the use of dollar debit cards to prepare for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, following the introduction of a new payment system by Saudi Arabian authorities.
The training, held on Wednesday at the board’s headquarters in Dutse, is aimed at equipping officials with the knowledge required to educate intending pilgrims on the new transaction process.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Director-General of the board, Ahmad Labbo, said the initiative reflects the board’s commitment to early planning to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation.
He explained that the training, organised in partnership with Guaranty Trust Bank, was the first of its kind and was designed to familiarise officers with the operation of the dollar debit cards.
Labbo said the new payment method became necessary following directives issued by the Saudi Arabian authorities and communicated through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, requiring all state pilgrims’ welfare boards to adopt the system.
He urged participants to pay close attention during the training and pass the knowledge on to other officials and intending pilgrims across the state.
According to him, the collaboration with the bank is intended to prepare officers to assist pilgrims with the new process and resolve any challenges they may encounter before or during the pilgrimage.
The director-general also assured prospective pilgrims that the board would continue providing the necessary support to ensure a seamless Hajj exercise.
Speaking after the training, one of the zonal officers, Hudu Muhammad, described the workshop as timely, saying it marked the beginning of a broader sensitisation campaign that would be extended to all local government areas ahead of the 2027 Hajj.
He expressed confidence that the introduction of the dollar debit card system would minimise cash-related difficulties for pilgrims while in Saudi Arabia.
Another participant, Muhammad Aminu, the zonal officer for Hadejia Zone, said the training had improved officers’ understanding of the new procedures and would enable them to properly guide intending pilgrims.
Both officials pledged to intensify awareness campaigns in their respective zones to ensure that all pilgrims from Jigawa State are adequately informed before their departure for the 2027 pilgrimage.
