The Lagos State Government has approved the sum of N3,200,000.00 as the total fare to be paid by Intending Pilgrims performing the Year 2023 Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, disclosed this at a meeting held with the intending pilgrims and other stakeholders at the Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, April, 2023.
While addressing the gathering, Elegushi stated that the breakdown of the total package, as announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), includes Hotel Accommodation, Cost of Airline and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), amongst others.
He appealed to intending pilgrims who had initially deposited the sum of N2,640,000. 00 to commence payment of the balance sum of N560,000.00 on or before the 21st of April, 2023 which is the deadline given by NAHCON to all the States for remittance.
While praying that Allah would help the intending pilgrims in actualising their dream of performing the holy pilgrimage this year in line with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW), Elegushi reiterated that the participants do not need to travel with any foodstuffs, saying that the Government would provide them with Nigeria’s local delicacies while in the Kingdom.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Board Chairman, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar informed the gathering that necessary Pre-Hajj visits had earlier been embarked upon for a convenient and seamless Hajj operation for all intending pilgrims.
The programme was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Lolade Aina. Also present were the Board members including, Dr. (Mrs.) Fausat Dabiri (Lagos division); Alhaji Mojeed Sanni (Ikorodu); Alhaji Yusuf Ara (Epe) and Hon. AbdulWaheed Lolade Shonibare (Ikeja), amongst other stakeholders.