Hajj: Katsina pilgrims board disburses N768.9m

The Executive Director of the board, Alhaji Suleiman Kuki, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Katsina.

NAN reports that the Saudi Arabia authorities had cancelled the 2021 Hajj for the foreign pilgrims due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kuki said the amount represents 22.01 per cent of deposit made by the 2,721 intending pilgrims in the state, who had deposited their money with the board for the exercise

“The statistics show that we have depositors with payments ranging from N300,000 to N1.5 million, and all refunds are to be made to the last kobo.

“The exercise is ongoing and any intending pilgrim wishing to request for refund of his/her deposit is free to do so.

“Those willing to roll-over their deposits for the 2022 Hajj can do so by contacting their zonal pilgrims’ offices to fill/sign the roll-over agreement form.

“Positive indicators emanating from the kingdom on the conduct of ongoing Umrah exercise indicate that Hajj 2022 will be held,’’ he said.

Kuki commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its leadership role and also applauded the understanding shown by the intending pilgrims.

He assured that the board would continue to prepare for Hajj 2022 operations, adding that the state government had approved its proposal to start the Umrah in line with internationally acceptable standards.