TheCable

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has asked the state pilgrim boards to start remitting funds to secure slots for the 2024 hajj.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mousa Ubandawaki, NAHCON deputy director of information and publications, said failure to comply with the directive would mean the states are not prepared or interested in partaking in the next year’s hajj exercise.

Ubandawaki said the directive was contained in a letter by Salihu Usman, NAHCON’s director of finance and accounts, addressed to the chief executives of state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies and commissions.

He said the call became necessary following the timeline issued by Saudi Arabia’s ministry of hajj and umrah, notifying participating countries to remit their monies before a certain period.

He said NAHCON would reduce the allocation of slots for states that fail to comply with the directive, adding that the spaces would be given to those that have made payment and needed more hajj slots.

“I am directed to inform you that considering the new timelines slated by Saudi authorities for 2024 Hajj activities, you are urged to expeditiously remit a reasonable percentage of funds for the slots allocation to your respective states,” the statement reads.

“Failure to do so shall be interpreted as unpreparedness on your part and shall leave the commission with no option but to slash your allocation and add to the more prepared states as appropriate to meet datelines and ultimately facilitate a hitch-free exercise.

“While thanking you for your continued understanding, please accept the warm regards for the Ag. chairman/CEO.”

Ubandawaki urged the states to continue to cooperate with the commission so as to meet the deadline and achieve a smooth 2024 hajj exercise.