Fatima Hassan
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi, has emphasised that the government’s intervention to ensure Nigerians participate in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia transcends mere monetary figures.
The Hajj body revealed that at the close of registration, the official number of intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj from Nigeria under the government quota reached 51,447.
Speaking at an Iftar organised for journalists by the Hajj body, Arabi highlighted the government’s responsibility to maintain peace and harmony within the nation. He stressed that the Federal Government treats all matters related to religion with equality, ensuring that no particular faith is favoured over another.
Arabi emphasised the significance of government intervention in religious matters. Acknowledging the discourse surrounding such intervention, he emphasised the government’s obligation to uphold the freedoms enjoyed by Nigerians. He stated that ensuring conducive conditions for the practice of various faiths is a constitutional duty.
“It is not just about figures. If we say the Federal Government intervened or intervenes with more than a hundred billion or two hundred billion to quantify all that they have done, it is an understatement. Government has a responsibility to keep this nation one devoid of chaos and rancour,” he said.
Regarding preparations for this year’s Hajj, Arabi described it as one of the most challenging, with initial difficulties almost barring Nigerian participation. However, through concerted efforts, Nigeria managed to secure its place in the pilgrimage.
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NAHCON, in a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s sacrifices in facilitating the pilgrimage despite various challenges. The statement also commended the patience and understanding exhibited by intending pilgrims and stakeholders alike.
“Commendably, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government played a leading role in the realization of this noble objective. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) recognize the numerous sacrifices that the Federal Government made against all odds towards easing the constraints of its intending pilgrims.
“The Commission also commends the patience exhibited by the pilgrims that were caught up in the uncertainties,” Usara stated.
The commission gave a breakdown of intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj on a state-by-state basis, revealing that 36,261 registered from the north and 6,310 registered from the south.
The figures are made up of: Adamawa (1,642); Borno (1,780); Taraba (950); Yobe (1,120); Bauchi (2,315); Benue (86); Ekiti (186); FCT (2,491); Gombe (1,373); Jigawa (1,250); Kaduna (4,493); Kano (3,057); Katsina (2,654); Kogi (13); Kwara (3,000); Nasarawa (1,866); and Niger (3,201).
Others were: Ondo (491); Plateau (1,126); Sokoto (3,643); Zamfara (1,596); Bayelsa (13); Delta (36); Ebonyi (13); Edo (295); Enugu (18); Imo (100); Lagos (1,861); Ogun (925); Osun (1,590); Oyo (1,047); Rivers (47); Armed Forces (365), adding that from the Commission’s Hajj Savings Scheme 1,884 were registered, while 1,500 others were registered from other categories.
