The Kebbi State Government’s decision to approve a N10 billion loan to fund the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has sparked widespread criticism. The move has raised questions about the state’s development priorities, particularly in the areas of education and poverty reduction. According to recent statistics, thousands of children in Kebbi struggle with basic literacy and numeracy skills, with 95% of children aged 7-14 unable to read at Primary 2 or 3 level.

Social commentator Sodiq Alabi cited the 2024 National Demographic and Health Survey, which revealed that 89.4% of adult women in the state are illiterate. Alabi argued that the state’s priorities are misaligned, highlighting the need for improved education and literacy rates. Political commentator Mahdi Shehu also criticized the move, describing it as a “misplaced priority” in a state grappling with severe poverty and infrastructural decay.

The criticism follows the state’s grim literacy and education statistics, which reveal a population struggling with basic learning and numeracy skills. Observers argue that while schools, healthcare facilities, and essential infrastructure remain underfunded, the decision to approve a multi-billion-naira Hajj loan raises serious questions about governance priorities and the allocation of public resources.

In defense of the loan, the Kebbi State Government stated that it was necessary to secure 1,300 additional Hajj seats for its citizens and meet the December 5 deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Yaro, Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, described the loan as a “decisive, compassionate, and people-centred intervention” by Governor Nasir Idris.

However, critics insist that the loan highlights the urgent need to prioritize education, poverty reduction, and basic infrastructure development in Kebbi. The state’s decision has sparked a national debate about the allocation of public resources and the role of government in addressing the needs of its citizens. As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how the Kebbi State Government will respond to the criticism and address the pressing development challenges facing the state.