The Sokoto State Government has awarded contract for the renovation and expansion of Hajj Terminal at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport in Sokoto The facility serves pilgrims traveling to Makkah for annual pilgrimages.
The Chairman of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, explained that the measure was to ease transportation of intending pilgrims to and from the airport as well as improve on their welfare.
A statement signed by Alhaji Faruku Umar, the Head of Information and Communications of the agency in Sokoto, quoted Alhaji Musa saying that the screening of pilgrims and other activities done at the old Hajj camp will be conducted at the new terminal for 2024 Hajj exercise.
According the chairman, the upgrade would improve the terminal’s facilities and capacity to accommodate pilgrims during Hajj operations.
He said the renovation and expansion project included the expansion of the surrounding of terminal building to increase its capacity to handle more pilgrims.
According to him, the job will cover the construction of facilities including toilets, mosque, access roads, parking space and restaurants as well water boreholes.
The chairman said the work will also improve the terminal’s security and screening processes, and enhance the overall passenger experience through the provision of additional amenities and services.
Alhaji Musa added that the renovation was aimed at enhancing the comfort, safety and overall experience of pilgrims traveling through the Hajj Terminal.
He applauded Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his passion towards improving the welfare of not only pilgrims but other people of the state.
On preparations for this year’s Hajj, the chairman explained that efforts are being made to ensure adequate arrangements for the success of the exercise, saying the agency has mobilised the Da’awah and Preaching Committees to enlighten the intending pilgrims across the twenty-three local government areas for acceptable Hajj.
