Nigeria: National Hajj Commission Sets Deadline for Pilgrims’ Grouping
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
In a bid to streamline the process of visa issuance and comply with the directives of the Saudi authorities, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has instructed State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to complete the grouping of intending pilgrims into groups of 45 individuals each. This directive, aimed at ensuring a smooth and efficient Hajj exercise, must be implemented by Friday.
According to a statement signed by Mousa Ubandawaki, the Deputy Director of Information & Publications Division at NAHCON, the grouping of pilgrims is essential for the issuance of visas. Pilgrims will only receive their visas once they have been grouped into a set of 45 individuals.
Earlier, the commission had announced that a total of 51,477 prospective pilgrims had registered and made payments for the 2024 Hajj exercise under the government quota. However, due to the fluctuating foreign exchange rate, an additional payment of N1.9 million was required from the initial 48,414 pilgrims who had paid the earlier announced fare of N4.9 million.
Ubandawaki advised pilgrims who wish to be grouped together to approach their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to ensure that they are registered within a single group of 45. These groups will undertake all Hajj activities together, including travel and accommodation arrangements.
The directive from NAHCON serves as the final opportunity for the arrangement of group travels for the Hajj operations, as mandated by the Saudi authorities. After the deadline, pilgrims will be confined to their selected group members, and their visas will be issued accordingly.
It is crucial for intending pilgrims to adhere to this instruction and cooperate with their State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to facilitate a seamless Hajj experience. Grouping not only ensures organized travel and accommodation but also promotes a sense of unity and shared experiences among pilgrims.
This latest development by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria reflects its commitment to ensuring the smooth execution of the Hajj exercise and the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims. By adhering to the grouping requirement, pilgrims can look forward to a fulfilling and spiritually enriching journey to the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah.
The commission advises all prospective pilgrims to take advantage of this opportunity and make the necessary arrangements before the given deadline. By doing so, they can ensure a hassle-free and memorable Hajj experience.
