Kebbi State Governor in North West Nigeria,Doctor Nasir Idris, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to take proactive measures to improve subsequent Hajj operations in the country.
The Governor made this call while receiving Professor Abdullahi Sale Pakistan, Chairman of NAHCON, at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
Governor Idris highlighted the challenges faced during the 2024 Hajj operations, attributing them to poor arrangement and provision of accommodation for pilgrims.
He shared his personal experience, stating that he, along with other governors, high-ranking Nigerians, and pilgrims, were stranded and left to suffer without being taken to holy sites in Mekkah and Madina.
The Governor announced that all 2024 pilgrims from Kebbi State have received refunds of N61,080, with the state government covering bank charges.
In response, Professor Pakistan explained that his visit was part of a nationwide tour to inform Nigerians about NAHCON’s efforts to improve Hajj operations in 2025 and beyond.
He outlined measures to alleviate pilgrims’ suffering, including considering payment of Hajj fares in Naira instead of US Dollars to reduce costs.
Alhaji Faruk Musa Enabo, Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA), commended Governor Idris for making Kebbi State a model for Hajj operations in Nigeria, prompting NAHCON’s visit to the state.
Dominica Nwabufo
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