Hajj Reporters
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has formerly kick started Hajj 2022 operations in Nigeria by allocating seats to states and the armed forces.
The allocation, which sees Kaduna state getting the highest figure on 2491 was announced on Thursday by the chairman of NAHCON, Barr. Zikrullah Kunle Hassan at a meeting with Chief Executives of states Muslim Pilgrims boards and agencies at the Hajj House Abuja.
Alhaji Hassan said the country has been allocated 43,008 seats out of which 30,578 representing 71% is allocated to states and the FCT while 9032, representing 21% of the seats are allocated private tour operators. He said 3,398 seats, which is about 8% of the allocated seats will go to “Stakeholders”.
Alhaji Hassan said the 2022 seat allocation is based on the performance Of each state in the last Hajj operations in 2019 airlift.
Other major seats allocation include Sokoto, 2404, Niger state, 2256, Kano, 2229, Katsina, 2146, Kebbi 2128, Lagos 1562 and Zamfara 1303 among others. The armed forces are allocated 239 seats. 3 states, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Imo got zero allocation. Alhaji Hassan explained that the two states failed to meet conditions for the renewal of their operating licences. He however, added that pilgrims from the two states will be taken care of by the commission.
Next Stage
Following the allocation of seats, the NAHCON boss said the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj has advised that all pre Hajj arrangements with service providers should be completed by 15th of Shawwal, ( May 16th).
He also said the commission had received medical guidelines from Saudi Arabia which has been transmitted to states pilgrim’s welfare boards.
He therefore, urged all the states Chief Executives to immediately go back and begin preparation because of time constraints.
Barr Zikrullah said the Hajj 2022 guidelines also stipulated that full dose of Covid 19 vaccine is mandatory for all pilgrims as well as a PCR test before departure.
“ All states pilgrims are to be registered on the e-track system which has been activated in the last 24 hours,” he added.
