Lagos State intending Muslim pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj operation are to pay an initial deposit of N8.5m.
The Secretary, the state Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board Saheed Onipede disclosed this in a statement released by the Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday.
The board told intending pilgrims to obtain the Hajj form from its office., adding that the cost of the Hajj form is N20,000.00 and that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is being expected to announce the actual fee
He said due to the present economic situation in the country, the Board said intending pilgrims are to pay in installments.
Onipede told them not to make pay into personal accounts, but should raise a ‘Bank Draft’ from any of the commercial banks in favour of ‘Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board’ and submit the same to the Accounts department for collection of official receipt for the value of the sum paid.
He assured that if the actual Hajj fare finally to be announced by NAHCON falls below N8.5 million, the Board would refund with the balance.
Quoting from the Holy Quran Chapter 22 vs 27, the Board Secretary stated that it is incumbent on every Muslim (male and female) who are mentally, physically and financially capable, to embark on the holy pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.
Onipede therefore prayed that Allah in His infinite mercy would provide every intending pilgrim the financial wherewithal to actualize their dream this year, even as he prayed for Allah’s intervention in the crushing economic situation presently being faced by Nigerians.
He assured every intending pilgrim of the State Government’s preparedness to always make the exercise comfortable for them through a well thought out activities and packages which include, accommodating them in a conducive hotel nearer to Haram both in Makkah and Madinah and Ziyarah (visitation) to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah.
