The Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Idris Ahmad Almakura, has led the management team of the board to defend its second-quarter 2026 budget before the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Pilgrimage.
The budget defence provided an opportunity for the board to present details of its financial activities, expenditure and implementation of programmes during the period under review.
During the session, Almakura and other members of the board’s management explained the utilisation of funds allocated to the agency and highlighted the progress recorded in the discharge of its responsibilities, particularly in the coordination and welfare of Muslim pilgrims from the state.
The management also responded to questions and observations raised by members of the House Committee, providing clarifications on the board’s financial management and activities.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrimage, Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana, commended the management of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for what he described as its outstanding performance, transparency and diligent management of public resources.
Nana noted that effective financial accountability was essential to ensuring that resources earmarked for pilgrims’ welfare and pilgrimage-related programmes were judiciously utilised.
He encouraged the board to sustain its commitment to transparency, accountability and efficient service delivery, stressing the importance of continuous improvement in the management of pilgrimage affairs in the state.
The committee chairman further assured the board of the continued support and cooperation of the State House of Assembly, particularly in addressing challenges that could affect its operations and improving its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
He said the committee remained committed to providing the necessary legislative support to enable the board overcome identified challenges and enhance its performance in subsequent quarters.
Responding, Almakura expressed appreciation to the committee for its constructive engagement and support for the board.
He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to prudent financial management, accountability and improved services to prospective and returning pilgrims from Nasarawa State.
The Executive Secretary said the board would continue to work closely with relevant government institutions and stakeholders to strengthen its operations and ensure that pilgrims receive efficient services throughout the pilgrimage process.
The budget defence is part of the state government’s broader accountability process aimed at monitoring the implementation of approved budgets and ensuring that public funds are applied to their intended purposes.
