The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has announced that the airlift of intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise will commence on May 9.
Chairman of the agency, Aliyu Musa, disclosed this to journalists while giving an update on preparations ahead of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
He revealed that out of the 2,860 registered intending pilgrims from the state, 2,500 visas have already been processed.
“We have finalized arrangements with officials of Flynass Airlines, the airline responsible for airlifting intending pilgrims from the state to the holy land,” Musa said.
He explained that all logistical arrangements were being concluded to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation for pilgrims from the state.
According to Musa, this year’s pilgrims will be accommodated in the Masfala area of Makkah, a location familiar to many previous pilgrims from Sokoto State.
“This arrangement was made to ensure that our pilgrims are comfortable and settled in a known environment,” he added.
The chairman also announced a new payment approach for the Hadaya, stating that intending pilgrims will be required to pay for the Hadaya in Naira before departure.
“This is to prevent pilgrims from tampering with their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) while in Saudi Arabia, which is capped at 500 dollars,” he explained.
Musa urged all intending pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and be good ambassadors of the state and the country during their time in the holy land.
“We are calling on our pilgrims to avoid any acts that could tarnish the image of Sokoto State and Nigeria. The Hajj is a spiritual journey, and it should be treated as such,” he advised.