The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the Kebbi State Government for approving a N10 billion loan to secure 1,300 additional slots for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, describing it as a misplacement of priorities.

In a statement on Monday, the group’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, urged the state to focus on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation rather than competing with other states in the number of pilgrims.

Prof. Akintola said, “Islam does not compel Muslims to undertake Hajj unless they have the means. Borrowing huge sums for pilgrimage sponsorship is a misplacement of priorities.”

The organisation questioned the rationale for taking the loan, noting that the N10 billion could be invested in vital development projects, including road construction and hospital rehabilitation. It also raised concerns over how the debt would be serviced.

MURIC called on both federal and state governments to withdraw from direct Hajj sponsorship, recommending that the exercise should be managed by Muslim individuals and Islamic organisations, while government involvement should be limited to protocol and coordination.

The group stressed that prioritising investments in education, healthcare, security, poverty reduction, and youth employment would yield more lasting benefits for the people of Kebbi State.