The Kebbi State Government has replied Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, defending its decision to secure a N10 billion loan to secure 1,300 additional Hajj seats for the 2026 pilgrimage, saying it was a repayable loan to ensure intending pilgrims didn’t miss the opportunity to perform Hajj.

The government also added the money has since been repaid to the government.

MURIC had earlier admonished Kebbi state government to channel such money to education and healthcare.

Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed BK, explained that the loan was given to the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency to beat the deadline for Hajj seat allocation and has since been repaid.

“We know MURIC is a responsible organization that speaks the truth, but they didn’t get enough explanation as to the reason for the intervention.

“For the record, the N10 billion is a loan from Kebbi state government to the agency, to be paid through the sale of Hajj seats and has since been returned to the state account,” Ahmed said.

READ ALSO: Tribute: Akran of Badagry was a symbol of peace, dignity — Sen Adebule

Ahmed also highlighted the state’s efforts in healthcare and education, including closing the remuneration gap between state and federal doctors, rehabilitating hospitals, and providing special education interventions.

MURIC, earlier, criticized the government for prioritizing Hajj over education and healthcare. Its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said, “We see this as gross misplacement of priorities. Islam does not compel all Muslims to go on Hajj. It is only compulsory for Muslims who have the wherewithal (Glorious Qur’an 3;97). We are also not compelled to borrow in order to fulfil this obligation. It is conditional”.

Akintola added that the N10 billion could have been better spent on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation, saying, “Kebbi must rearrange its priorities. Education, health, roads, security, etc, should be top among the priorities”.