Zulum Vows to Enhance Pilgrims’ Experience in Nigeria

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improving Hajj operations in Nigeria, highlighting the need for world-class services to ensure a fulfilling pilgrimage experience.

The governor made the pledge during a courtesy call from the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, and his delegation at the Government House in Maiduguri.

Zulum lauded NAHCON's strides in managing Hajj activities effectively and assured the commission of his administration’s unwavering support in fostering both the welfare and spiritual enrichment of Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON Greenlights Clinic for Kano Pilgrims in Makkah

In an effort to provide adequate medical care to its pilgrims, the Kano State Government with the approval of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, has established clinics in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. 

The clinics, which are aimed at complementing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) clinic, will provide required medical attention to the state's pilgrims.

The State Amirul Hajj and Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, is scheduled to visit the clinic immediately upon his arrival from Madinah to assess the level of commitment of the state pilgrim board to the pilgrims.

Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, The Head of Media Team for Kano State Pilgrims and also the Deputy Governor’s Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement circulated to journalists.

According to Ibrahim, he said the Coordinator of Health Matters for the State Pilgrims Board, Hajiya Binta Yusuf revealed that approval has been given for the clinics, which will operate in House Number 5 in Makkah. 

“NAHCON officials have visited the site and given their approval for the clinic to operate” She noted.

Binta noted that, recall, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had earlier sponsored a team of 11 health professionals, led by Professor Abdurrahman Abbas Sheshe, to provide medical care to the state's intending pilgrims. 

Adding that establishment of the clinics is a further demonstration of the state government's commitment to the welfare of its citizens.

She noted that Kano is the only state in Nigeria that NAHCON approved to open the clinic for its pilgrims in Makkah.

Avoid Smuggling Prohibited Items into Saudi Arabia: NAHCON Warns

Intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj are cautioned to refrain from travelling with illicit drugs, kola nuts, cigarettes etc., into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The pilgrims are reminded that as a nation deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage, Saudi Arabia holds strict laws against drug trafficking, penalty for which is death.

 

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director Public Affairs of the Commission, Fatima Sanda Usara, said NAHCON wishes to remind the pilgrims that the purpose of their trip to Saudi Arabia is for worship, therefore they should not be distracted by acts that would violate sanctity of their Hajj. Hajj period is a time for spiritual reflection and prayers that should be approached with reverence and respect for the laws and customs of the host country.

 

One the other hand, Commission’s management warns intending pilgrims to beware of being used as conduit for any illicit trade without their knowledge. Therefore, they are advised be extra vigilant over their bags at the airports to avoid implantation of prohibited items to their luggage unawares.

 

Pilgrims are urged to uphold their honour and dignity and that of the country, as any individual caught smuggling prohibited items not only brings shame upon themselves but also tarnishes the reputation of their nation.

 

NAHCON similarly advises State Pilgrims Boards to collaborate fully with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other related agencies in ensuring that persons planning to smuggle items prohibited in Saudi Arabia are apprehended to avoid embarrassment to the country and unnecessary delays during screening in both countries.

  

Hajj 2024: Gov Yusuf Inaugurates First Flight of Kano Pilgrims

The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusif, today inaugurated the first flight of Kano State pilgrims intending to perform this year's Hajj exercises.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, Governor Abba Kabir Yusif called on the pilgrims to be good ambassadors in the holy land and to pray for the state and the nation in general.

In his speech, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh. Lamin Rabi'u Danbappa, stated that this flight contains pilgrims from four local governments in the state.

Gwale Local Government has 175 pilgrims (92 males and 83 females), Dala Local Government has 119 pilgrims (62 males and 57 females), Ungogo Local Government has 106 pilgrims (67 males and 39 females), and Fagge Local Government has 135 pilgrims (68 males and 67 females, Center Fourty five has 5 males pilgrims.There are also 9 government officials overseeing the activities of the pilgrims. The Max Air flight will transport a total of 549 pilgrims to King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Alh. Lamin Rabi'u Danbappa added that the Kano State Government, under the able leadership of Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusif, has completed all necessary arrangements. 

He expressed his appreciation to the Executive Governor for the welfare of the pilgrims, including the subsidized Hajj fare of 500,000 naira each, a top-up of Basic Travelling Allowance totaling over 367 million naira, and an additional 100 Saudi Riyals given to all pilgrims.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alh. Yusif Lawan, mentioned that after all home arrangements, the state government has provided a conducive atmosphere in the holy land, including accommodations, transportation, food, and medicine.

Alh. Yusif Lawan commended Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusif for his commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims.

L

Lotus Bank Supports Kano State Pilgrims with Essential Items

The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Rabi'u Danbappa, expressed his appreciation for the assistance provided by Lotus Bank during this year's Hajj exercises.

In a bit sign by the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, said Alhaji Lamin Rabi'u Danbappa mentioned that the bank supplied over 2,500 umbrellas, water jugs, and handbags for the benefit of the pilgrims from the state.

In his speech, the Branch Manager of Lotus Bank, Hotoro Branch, Alhaji Adam Abal-Bashar Ahmed, stated that they were at the Pilgrims Welfare Board to present these items to the pilgrims.

Alhaji Adam Abulbashar Ahmed urged the pilgrims to make good use of these items to achieve the intended purpose. He also expressed his wish for the pilgrims to remember Lotus Bank in their prayers during Hajj.

The Director General was accompanied by Board members and the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics.

**

Hajj 2024: Over Four Thousand Nigerian Pilgrims Arrives Makkah - NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has confirmed that as at Tuesday this week, about five thousand Nigerian pilgrims have arrived the holy City of Makkah, after their four day stay in the holy Prophet City of Madinah. 

The pilgrims were made up of those from Kebbi, Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja who were the first to arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj operation that started last week.

The NAHCON Makkah Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Abubakar Tanko disclosed this to Freedom Radio Group, Kaduna Station from Makkah.

The Coordinator, who said that all the pilgrims that have arrived were hearty, healthy and all and about without stress, as most of them performed the lesser Hajj and now are only waiting for the actual greater annual religious event, which is expected to commence in next three weeks.

Dr. Aliyu Tanko stated that as usual all necessary infrastructure and measures have been put in place to ensure peace, harmony, tranquility and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah, which is a pre-requisit to a seamless, smooth and hitch free Hajj exercise.

He said when his team arrived the holy land days before the commencement of the airlift, they visited the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah to rob minds with the Consul-General and staff on how best they could team up and chart a diligent course to serve the Nigerian pilgrims effectively and satisfactorily to make them have a pleasant memorable and unforgettable experience in the discharge of their religious rites.

Dr. Aliyu Tanko, reported that they have been told in no uncertain terms that this year the Saudi authorities have resolved to decisively deal and deny entry to Makkah, anyone without genuine and relevant Hajj visas.

He therefore advised states Hajj handlers to ensure thoroughness and diligence in the travel documents of their pilgrims to guard against any unpleasantries.

Breaking News: Nigerian Pilgrims To Pay Additional Balance of N1,918,032.91for Hajj 2024

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) appreciates the high level of understanding and concern that have been demonstrated to it publicly and privately over the 2024 Hajj fare dilemma it has plunged in. 

In a statement signed by the Deputy Director Public Affairs of the Commission, Fatima Sanda Usara, said this show of support gives the Commission hope that stakeholders would leave no stone unturned for the success of the forthcoming Hajj exercise. At this juncture, the Commission finds it imperative to give clarity regarding the 2024 Hajj fare arrangements.

It is widely acknowledged that Hajj preparation follows a strict time line. As for the 2024 Hajj, the preparatory time line released by Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began earlier than usual and is expected to end before its normal timing. NAHCON endeavored to adhere to the schedule outlined by the Ministry.

However, non to late remittances of Hajj fare by those concerned necessitated adjustments, resulting in two date shifts with the final being 12th of February 2024. Recall that as at 31st December 2023, Naira was still at N897:00 to a Dollar at the banks. These shifts unfortunately pushed the Hajj fare collection deadline to fall after harmonization of foreign exchange rates, presenting a new and significant challenge.

What the harmonization meant in the Hajj fare equation was that in the face of global financial challenges, coupled with the new forex policy, Nigerian pilgrims would now be saddled with an unexpected increase in Hajj cost, despite having already paid the fixed fare of about N4.9 million, depending on the departure zone as approved by government.

Federal Government saw wisdom in deliberately intervening on behalf of the Nigerian intending pilgrims through various strategies including persuading cost reductions. Unfortunately, the interventions could not cover the entire number that had met the final registration deadline. This had remained the Commission's dilemma. To make matters worse, now about 50,000 pilgrims under the Public Quota have paid the hitherto announced fare of about N4.9million and their payments are currently under the custody of the Commission.

Considering the urgency of the situation, NAHCON was forced to explore various options, including encouraging State Governments and affluent individuals to intervene on behalf of their pilgrims. This window still remains open. This will compliment the intervention of the Federal Government that went the extra mile to support the Nigerian Muslim pilgrims in the discharge of their religious obligation. Commendably, government's policy focus of bringing down the exchange rate has given the Hajj fare reduction a boost.

The good news now is that with Naira having appreciated to N1,474.00 to a Dollar over the preceeding week and after due consultation with stakeholders, coupled with NAHCON's desire to ensure equatible spread of the Federal Government's intervention to all the already registered pilgrims whose payments have been received, the Commission resolved that each pilgrim would now have to pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 in accordance with the current foreign exchange rate.

Intending pilgrims that still wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj are by this release advised to proceed and pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 latest by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024. The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March and no other payment would be accommodated after.

Affected pilgrims are advised to visit their respective state pilgrims boards to confirm their status. Below is a table detailing number of pilgrims that have paid the Hajj fare according to states and they remain the number expected to benefit from the intervention:

S/N

1

STATES

ACTUAL NO.OF SEATS PAID FOR

ABIA

2

ADAMAWA

1,767

3

A/IBOM

4

5

6

ANAMBRA

BAUCHI

2,290

7

BAYELSA

13

8

BENUE

BORNO

87

9 C/RIVER

1,780

10

10

11

DELTA

EBONYI

40

12

13

13

EDO

265

EKITI

186

2

14

15

ENUGU

18

FCT, ABUJA

2,489

16

GOMBE

1,262

17

IMO

98

18

JIGAWA

1,260

19

KADUNA

4,656

20

ΚΑΝΟ

2,906

21

KATSINA

2,654

22

KEBBI

3,344

23

KOGI

13

24

KWARA

3,100

25

LAGOS

1,857

26

NASARAWA

1,866

27

NIGER

3,200

28

OGUN

925

29

ONDO

491

30

OSUN

1,548

31

OYO

1,047

32

PLATEAU

1,345

33

RIVERS

42

34

SOKOTO

3,563

35

TARABA

1,000

36

YOBE

1,290

37

ZAMFARA

1,596

ARMED FORCES

38

403

TOTAL

48,414

However, any new registration for 2024 Hajj from today, 24th of March will attract the full sum of N8,225, 464.74 from the Adamawa/Borno axis. From the North zone, fresh depositors will pay N8, 254, 464.74 whereas fresh payments from the Southern zone will attract N8, 454, 464.74 as Hajj fare. All categories are to pay within the same deadline.

While the Commission regrets the short notice, it has become inevitable due to Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's stern warning to Nigeria regarding the delay in adhering to the Hajj arrangement framework. Before now, NAHCON had pleaded for an extension which had been reluctantly granted and now the Ministry's patience is wearing thin.

As for those who wish to withdraw their registration for the 2024 Hajj,

they are advised to formally request for refund from their states which will be treated with all seriousness.

The next four days are crucial for stakeholders, especially those willing to intervene in support of their pilgrims, to take necessary actions and ensure smooth Hajj arrangements.

NAHCON remains committed to facilitating the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims and seeks cooperation from all parties involved.