By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto
The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has officially unveiled the sales of 2024 Hajj seats pegged at initial minimum deposit of N4.5 million.
Subsequently, the Agency has directed its 23 local government Hajj Registration Officers to swing into full exercise with registration of intended pilgrims.
The Head of Information and Communication Officer of the Agency Faruk Umar in a statement said the announcement signaled the full commencement of preparation for next year’s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Addressing the newly constituted board members of the Agency the Bord Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Musa. Gusau, said the opening sales of 2024 exercise followed the directive of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on states pilgrims Boards ahead of Saudi Arabia deadline and subsequent approval by the Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu.
The Chairman explained that Sokoto has allocated 4996 seats for next year’s pilgrimage which would be allocated to intending pilgrims and enrollees of Hajj Savings Schemes on 60 and 40 per cent respectively.
Alhaji Aliyu Musa Gusau further assured those who make payments for 2023 Hajj but unable to secure visa for the spiritual exercise would be placed on priority list for next year’s pilgrimage, he added that an automatic slot will be provided to those who left their money for next Hajj.
The Chairman announced deadline for the N4.5 million deposit as NAHCON had pegged end of December 2023, for interested persons to remit their deposits.
On the high cost of 2024 fare, the Chairman explained that over 90 percent of Hajj components, including accommodation, feeding and transport depend largely on dollars. He however regretted the weak strength of naira against dollar, which he said, was responsible for the sudden fare hike.
The Chairman who itemized some of the challenges recorded during the last exercise at the holy land, assured that 2024 would be a clear departure from previous experiences.
He said the Agency have launched the preparations for Hajj 2024 and have initiated the sale of the seats after completing the allocation of 60 per cent of the seats to the 23 Local Government areas of State.
Alhaji Aliyu Musa Gusau instructed Local Government Registration Officers to start collecting deposits from intending pilgrims.
