The Jigawa Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that more than 1,200 intending pilgrims in the state have completed the full payment of the N4.69 million fare for the 2024 Hajj, News About Nigeria reports.
The board’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Murtala Usman, confirmed this information in Dutse on Wednesday.
Out of the 1,518 slots allocated to the board by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the 2024 Hajj, 1,200 intending pilgrims have made full payments.
The board is focused on improving its operations to ensure a smooth exercise and an orientation program has been initiated to prepare pilgrims for the proper conduct of the Hajj in accordance with Islamic teachings.
“The training focuses on obligations, tenets, and cardinal principles of the Hajj, thereby giving the intending pilgrims the opportunity to know proper and acceptable Hajj rites,” stated Alhaji Murtala Usman.
He advised intending pilgrims to attend the training due to its significance.
In February, NAHCON announced an increase in the Hajj fare for 2024, citing the recent depreciation of the Naira against the US dollar.
The initial fare of N4.5 million was revised to N4.6 million for northern pilgrims and N4.8 million for pilgrims from the south.
The adjustment was made following the Naira’s decline mid-week, compelling the commission to review the fee structure.
The commission urged those who have paid to balance up ahead of the February 25 deadline.
“Intending pilgrims are therefore advised to balance their Hajj fare by Monday 12th of February accordingly to enable the Commission to transfer the funds before the imminent deadline,” the statement reads in part.
