The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (KSPWA) has advised intending Muslim pilgrims to complete the payments of their Hajj deposits on or before February 12, 2024, in order to meet the deadline set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Deputy Director for Public Relations in the agency, Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed Abdullahi, said that this advice followed the declaration of this year’s Hajj fare by the NAHCON.
According to him, the Executive Chairman of the agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, gave the advice and further urged the intending pilgrims to approach registration officers for enrollment, after making full payments. He added that full payment is mandatory.
The chairman said that defaulters risk forfeiting their chances to embark on the journey to the Holy Land because the NAHCON has also fixed a deadline for remittance of the Hajj fares.
He said, “All intending pilgrims are expected to obtain a customised bank teller at their respective Local Government registration centres before making the payment.”
Malam Salihu reiterated that registration by proxy is strictly prohibited, and frail or elderly pilgrims must be accompanied by a relative throughout the pilgrimage.
It will be recalled that the NAHCON last week announced that the 2024 Hajj fares of intending pilgrims from the North, apart from Borno and Adamawa states, is N4.699 million.
Addressing concerns about the increased Hajj fare, Malam Salihu explained that the adjustment was necessary due to external factors beyond their control, such as fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate.
The chairman expressed gratitude for the understanding and cooperation of intending pilgrims in the state, assuring them of the agency’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj experience.
He assured that the agency is working diligently with NAHCON and other stakeholders to provide the best possible services for pilgrims.