The Niger State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has expressed concern over the low registration of intending pilgrims for the 2024 hajj exercise.
The Executive Secretary, Sheikh Mohammad Awwal Aliyu, spoke during a meeting with the management and members of the board in Minna, the state capital.
The executive secretary said out of the 3,592 seats allocated to the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the 2024 hajj operation, only 505 intending pilgrims have made payments so far.
He added that out of the 505 intending pilgrims, who had deposited part payment, only 392 had completed their payment of the N4.5m initial deposit.
He said late payment could affect early preparation for the hajj exercise in the state.
Aliyu stressed the need for timely payments to ensure early preparation and experience a hitch-free hajj exercise.
The chairman of the board, Sheikh Abubakar Mohammad Beji, assured that the agency was working towards a seamless and memorable hajj experience for all pilgrims from the state.
He said there was a need for effective communication and engagement with the intending pilgrims to educate them on the timely payment of hajj fare.
‘Don’t be discouraged by high fare’
Meanwhile, the Arewa New Agenda (ANA) has urged Muslims not to allow the economic downturn and hike in the 2024 hajj fare to dampen their morale in undertaking the religious pilgrimage.
One of the group’s directors, Alhaji Sani Mudi, gave the advice during a one-day sensitisation programme for North Central hajj stakeholders held in Ilọrin, the Kwara State capital.
About 15 Islamic organisations were represented during the event.
Speaking with Daily Trust shortly after the meeting, Mudi said the present situation has prevented many Muslims from paying for next year’s hajj.
He said, “Nigeria has been allocated 95,000 slots but as we speak, according to latest information available to us, just barely around 20,000 seats have been paid for and yet the Saudi authorities have insisted on the December 31st deadline.
“If we are not careful, it means Nigeria, as the leading black nation for hajj, will go there with fewer slots which is not good for the Muslim Ummah. We need as many people as possible to go and pray for themselves and the country.”
On his part, ANA state coordinator, Barrister Sharafdeen Ibrahim, said the sensitisation is to enlighten Muslims on their expectations especially as it relates to the hike in hajj fare.
