THE Saudi Arabia has reduced Nigeria’s Hajj allocation, a development that has compelled the Zamfara State Hajj Commission to drop 456 intending pilgrims from participating in this year’s pilgrimage.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the commission, Musa Mallaha, disclosed this in an interview in Gusau, explaining that the reduction cut the state’s quota from 2,207 to 1,741 pilgrims.
“This affected 456 intending pilgrims from the state who may not be able to participate in this year’s exercise,” Mallaha said, highlighting the impact of the revised allocation on prospective participants.
Despite the setback, the commission said preparations for the pilgrimage remain on course, noting that the state government would soon commence the airlift of intending pilgrims from Zamfara International Airport.
Mallaha further revealed that measures have been put in place to enhance the welfare of pilgrims, including the provision of improved luggage support. \
According to him, each pilgrim will receive two large bags and one small bag, an upgrade from previous arrangements where only one bag was provided. “This is part of efforts to improve pilgrims’ welfare and wellbeing,” he said.
He also disclosed that an Enlightenment Committee has been constituted to sensitise pilgrims on the proper observance of Hajj rites in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, is being conducted across all 14 local government areas of the state ahead of the official flag-off.
The committee is chaired by Ahmad Kanoma, who also serves as Chairman of the Ulama Consultative Council.
Mallaha reiterated the commission’s commitment to ensuring a seamless pilgrimage exercise for all participants. “The State Hajj Commission remains committed to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj exercise for all intending pilgrims,” he said.
