As preparations for the 2025 Hajj gain momentum, the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced that 1,850 intending pilgrims have so far paid their fares out of the 3,680 Hajj slots allocated to the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Executive Director of the board, Alhaji Yunusa Dankama, made this known on Thursday during a meeting with directors, the board chairman, and other members in Katsina.
The meeting, according to PUNCH Online, was part of the state’s ongoing preparations for a smooth and successful Hajj operation.
In a statement released by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Badaru Karofi, on Friday, Dankama provided an update on the registration process and the collection of Hajj fares for the 2025 pilgrimage.
“The board has received the allocation of 3,680 Hajj seats from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and currently registers approximately 1,850 pilgrims who have paid for the Hajj fares,” the statement read.
Dankama further briefed the board members on the outcome of a recent NAHCON meeting, which focused primarily on airlift arrangements. He confirmed that Max Air Airlines Limited has been approved as the official carrier for Katsina State pilgrims.
On the airlift schedule, he noted that Katsina State pilgrims will be among the last batch to be transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.
Expressing gratitude for the support received, Dankama commended Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, for his commitment to ensuring the smooth coordination of the state’s Hajj operations.
Earlier in the meeting, the Board Chairman, Alhaji Kabir Alhazai, represented by board member Alhaji Ahmed Radda, welcomed attendees and urged them to work together towards achieving another successful Hajj operation, building on the achievements of the previous year.
With more intending pilgrims expected to complete their payments in the coming months, the board assured the public of continued efforts to facilitate a seamless pilgrimage experience for all participants.
