The head of Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi Dankama, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to secure a government-fixed exchange rate for dollars to assist intending pilgrims for the 2024 hajj.
Alhaji Dankama conveyed this request during a meeting organized by Arewa New Agenda at the Katsina Pilgrims Welfare Board auditorium on Sunday.
Dankama highlighted challenges arising from the increased cost of this year’s hajj and the limited time for payment, making it difficult for people to make deposit payments.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, for approving the payment of fares for 200 officials from the 34 local government areas (LGAs) of the state, along with 130 preachers and other board officials.
Emphasizing the importance of early information, Dankama stressed the need for NAHCON to announce the 2024 hajj fares.
He explained that the meeting organized by Arewa New Agenda aimed to sensitize stakeholders on hajj, encouraging their collective efforts to ensure the success of the 2024 pilgrimage.
Dr. Salisu Muhammed, the head of Arewa New Agenda, conveyed a strong assurance to the executive director and various stakeholders in Katsina State regarding their unwavering commitment to forge collaborative partnerships with pertinent authorities, including religious leaders.
Their primary objective is to make a concerted appeal to the President, urging him to allocate dollar subsidies for prospective pilgrims from Nigeria in the year 2024.
The assurance was given in a comprehensive and dedicated manner, emphasizing the group’s dedication to working closely with relevant entities to achieve their shared goal of facilitating financial support for pilgrims through diplomatic channels and engagement with religious figures.
Dr. Muhammed has conveyed that the Saudi authorities have designated 95,000 hajj slots specifically for Nigeria for the upcoming pilgrimage in 2024.
The association is resolute in its commitment to motivating Nigerian pilgrims to fully avail themselves of all these allotted slots within the stipulated timeframe.
Furthermore, there is a concerted effort to foster collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure the seamless execution of the pilgrimage, with the overarching goal of achieving a successful and harmonious experience for all participants.
