By Zubairu Idris
The Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has fixed N3 million as initial deposit for each prospective pilgrim who wishes to perform the 2024 hajj.
The board’s Executive Director, Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu-Kuki, made the announcement on Thursday in Katsina at a news conference.
He also revealed that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), had allocated 4,513 hajj seats to the state.
“In consideration of the fluctuating exchange rate of Naira to Dollar, the commission demanded intending pilgrims/depositors to make an initial deposit of N4.5 million.
“His Excellency, Gov. Dikko Radda has agreed to the proposal of the board to spread the payments within a timeframe of three months beginning with initial deposit of N3 million, and subsequent monthly payments.
“So, by December, 2023, intending pilgrims/depositors would comfortably conclude the payment, and waiting for whatever may be balance of Hajj fares to be announced by the NAHCON,” he said.
He further said that all payments must be made through a certified bank draft payable to Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The executive director added that the registration must also be conducted at the seven Zonal Offices of the board situated at Katsina, Funtua, Malumfashi, Dutsinma, Kankia, Daura and Mani.
On the early arrangements, Nuhu-Kuki explained that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah released the preliminary arrangement document for the 2024 Hajj.
“The documents stated clearly the timeline for the implementation of all important activities and fixed the 20th of Shawwal 1445 AH equivalent to 29th April, 2024, as the deadline for the closure of e-track portal and the stoppage of pilgrims’ visa issuance, among others,” he said.
Nuhu-Kuki said that depositors must also sign an undertaking form on validation of his/her Hajj seat at a point of registration.
He therefore urged the intending pilgrims to seek for knowledge of Hajj from scholars to enable them to perform acceptable Hajj (Hajj mabrur).
NAN
