The Niger State Government in north-central Nigeria has pledged its full support to the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to ensure the success of the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Abdullahi Isah, Chairman of the House Committee on Religious Affairs at the State House of Assembly, stated this during the commencement ceremony for the state’s 2024 Hajj exercise.
Isah also praised the board for its meticulous and early preparations for the Hajj operations, emphasising that this proactive approach would facilitate efficient management and prevent unnecessary challenges that could hinder the state’s Hajj exercise.
He urged the board’s staff to serve as exemplary ambassadors and collaborate effectively to ensure the overall success of the exercise.
Abdullahi Isah underscored the importance of creating a conducive environment for the success of the 2024 Hajj exercise in the state. He called on the Administrative and Professional Officers of the Welfare Board (APOW) in the local government areas to diligently fulfil their responsibilities and work cohesively, emphasising the value of their collective expertise in achieving a successful Hajj.
Alhaji Mohammed Awwal Aliyu, the Executive Secretary of the Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board, expressed gratitude for the legislative support and officially announced the commencement of the collection of 2024 Hajj fares. He revealed that the National Hajj Commission had allocated 3,592 seats for the 2024 Hajj exercise for the state, with a deadline set for December 2023.
Aliyu assured that the board would thoroughly investigate all complaints and find lasting solutions before the full commencement of the operation.
He reiterated the board’s policies, emphasising the exclusion of cash collections from intending pilgrims. He said: “The only accepted method of payment is through banks, with an initial deposit of four million five hundred thousand Naira. Additionally, the board will not sell forms as part of its procedures.”
Aliyu expressed his confidence in the Chairman of the House Committee, highlighting their collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the board’s operations.
Alhaji Abusufyan Ahamad Sirisiri, Chairman of the APOWs Forum and APOW of the Chanchaga local government area, commended the early launch of the exercise and called on his colleagues to diligently fulfil their duties. He also appealed to the board to address the financial needs of APOWs, stressing the importance of providing additional resources for their operations and arranging in-house training for the staff.
The event concluded with the Chairman of the House Committee distributing seating allocations to the APOWs from the 25 local governments in the state.
The National Hajj Commission has set December 2023 as the deadline for the intended pilgrims to participate in the 2024 Hajj exercise.
