Lagos registers 3,016 for 2021 hajj, may not sell fresh forms

The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board may not sell new forms for intending pilgrims for next year’s hajj, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, has said.

He stated this during a briefing at Alausa on Thursday, adding that the state already had 3,016 intending pilgrims registered for the cancelled 2020/2021 hajj.

Elegushi said unless the Saudi Arabia and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) give the state additional slots, it might not be feasible to add to those already registered.

He said only 69 intending pilgrims out of 3,085 requested refund of their N1,300,000 deposit.

Their refund, he said, would be made once Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gives approval.

The commissioner urged all the 3,016 intending pilgrims to have faith and trust that the state government would do everything possible to protect their interest and they would not be disappointed.

Answering question on why the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board focuses only on Umrah (lesser hajj) during Ramadan and not the year round, Elegushi said the board was working towards getting the International Air Transport Association (IATA) licence to be able to fully operate the Umrah throughout the year.

He said 164 people had embraced the Hajj Savings Scheme from Lagos State, adding efforts were in place to bring more people on board.

He gave assurances that the state would continue to deploy the best resources and manpower towards achieving a comprehensive and rewarding Hajj exercise for its pilgrims.

Executive Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Rahman Ishola thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu; his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Elegushi for supporting the board.

The Nation