The Lagos state government has approved a total of N3.2 million in fares for pilgrims who plan to participate in the 2023 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia. The amount will be paid through the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Office, but those who had initially deposited the sum of N2,640,000 are expected to pay the balance of N560,000 on or before April 21, 2023, in line with the deadline given by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Elegushi announced this on Tuesday at a meeting with pilgrims and other stakeholders at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas Mosque, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, according to the statement released by the state government on Wednesday.
The statement read in part-
“While praying that Allah would help the intending pilgrims in actualising their dream of performing the holy pilgrimage this year in line with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW), Elegushi reiterated that the participants do not need to travel with any foodstuffs, saying that the government would provide them with Nigeria’s local delicacies while in the kingdom.
“Earlier in his welcome address, the Board Chairman, Imam Shakiru Gafar, informed the gathering that necessary pre-Hajj visits had earlier been embarked upon for a convenient and seamless Hajj operation for all intending pilgrims.”
The programme was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs Lolade Aina. Also present were the board members, including, Dr Fausat Dabiri (Lagos division); Mojeed Sanni (Ikorodu); Yusuf Ara (Epe) and AbdulWaheed Shonibare (Ikeja).”
cc: Punch Ng
