Hajj 2018: First batch of Nigerian pilgrims leave today
- The 2018 first batch of Hajj pilgrims from Nigeria will leave for Saudi Arabia today, Saturday, July 21
- The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria said it is set for the inaugural flight signaling the commencement of 2018 Hajj operations
- NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Usara said the flag-off is scheduled to take place at the Domestic Wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja at 11:00 am
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday, July 20, declared that the first batch of this year’s Hajj pilgrims from Nigeria will leave for Saudi Arabia today, Saturday, July 21.
Premium Times reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria said that it is set for the inaugural flight signaling the commencement of 2018 Hajj operations.
NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Usara, in a statement said the flag-off is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 21, at the Domestic Wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja at 11:00 am.
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She said pilgrims from Kogi State and officials are expected to be on the inaugural flight to be flown on MAX Air directly to Madina.
Usara said: “NAHCON is also pleased to inform the general public that the biometric data registration is progressing steadily.
“State Muslim Welfare Boards in conjunction with biometric data capturing officials have been doing commendably well in this regard.
“Pilgrims are once again reminded that the registration is availed free of charge courtesy of Saudi Arabia’s generosity.
“Therefore, any intending pilgrim that paid for the registration hitherto is urged to return to his/her registration center for a refund.”
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She also advised other intending pilgrims to be patient and wait for their turn to be invited for the biometric registration before they present themselves at the centres.
She said this is important to maintain orderliness, prevent stress and to follow the arrangements on ground to accommodate a specific number of people at a time.
She assured everyone will be captured before the end of the exercise.
According to her, “Intending pilgrims are also advised to note, for avoidance of speculations and distrust, that there are other biometric data capturing candidates that are not pilgrims but are legitimately traveling to Saudi Arabia for their different purposes.
“Therefore, the handlers alternate between different categories of biometric applicants, vis-a-vis pilgrims from licensed tour operators, travelers on tourism, as well as those applying for work and study visas to Saudi Arabia; everyone visits the same biometric centers for data capturing. Hence everyone is enjoined to exhibit the spirit of tolerance.”
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the Kaduna state Muslims pilgrims welfare board announced its 2018 Hajj fare.
Imam Dantsoho, the overseer of the board, announced N1.5 million (N1,490,615:05) as 2018 Hajj fare approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
Dantsoho revealed this at the office of the board in Kaduna on Wednesday, May 23. He said this year’s fare comes behind that of 2017 by N44,615.
Dantsoho said: “This year’s package was arrived at after a rigorous computation and efforts towards reducing hajj fare.”
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Source: Legit.ng
