Niger Assembly Committee Engages Pilgrims Welfare Board, Religious Affairs Bureau

The Niger State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Religious Affairs has interfaced with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board and the Bureau for Religious Affairs to review their activities, assess their performance and address areas requiring further attention.

The interface, which was held at the Symposium Hall of the Assembly Complex, Minna, was chaired by the Chairman of the Committee and Member representing Agaie Constituency, Hon. Mohammed Isah Etsugaie.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Etsugaie said the engagement was aimed at presenting the Committee’s findings, observations and recommendations to the two organisations for consideration and necessary action, ahead of the submission of the Committee’s report to the House.

He commended the State Pilgrims Welfare Board for its performance during the 2026 Hajj exercise, urging the Board to sustain the feat and continue to work towards ensuring that Niger State maintains its position among the best-performing states in subsequent pilgrimage exercises.

The Committee Chairman also called on the Board to commence preparations for next year’s Hajj early, particularly in the area of accommodation, stressing the need to secure suitable accommodation close to the Holy Mosque to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and enable them to perform their religious obligations with greater ease.

On the Bureau for Religious Affairs, Hon. Etsugaie expressed the Committee’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at addressing the funding challenges confronting the Bureau.

He noted that adequate funding was essential for any government institution to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities, assuring the Bureau that the Committee would explore the necessary legislative processes towards securing appropriate approval and funding to strengthen its operations.

The Chairman further urged the Director-General of the Bureau to ensure that members of the organisation and relevant stakeholders were adequately carried along in its activities and programmes, stressing the importance of inclusiveness, consultation and effective coordination in the administration of religious affairs.

Hon. Etsugaie also disclosed that the Committee would explore measures towards the establishment of a Zakat Board in Niger State.

According to him, the proposed Zakat Board would help promote an independent, effective and well-coordinated system for the administration and management of Zakat affairs in the state.

Responding, the State Pilgrims Welfare Board appreciated the Committee for the constructive engagement and observations, acknowledging the need for early planning for future Hajj operations, particularly with regard to accommodation arrangements.

The Board assured the Committee that the observations and recommendations would be given due consideration and incorporated into its planning for subsequent pilgrimage exercises, with the welfare, comfort and convenience of Niger State pilgrims remaining a priority.

Similarly, the Bureau for Religious Affairs welcomed the interface, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the legislative arm of government and relevant religious institutions.

The Bureau expressed support for the proposed establishment of a Zakat Board, pledging its cooperation towards initiatives aimed at strengthening the administration of Zakat and other religious affairs in Niger State.

The meeting concluded with a call for stronger collaboration, accountability and improved coordination among relevant government agencies and stakeholders to enhance the administration of religious affairs and pilgrimage activities and promote the welfare of pilgrims across the state.