In line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s timeline for the 2024 Hajj, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has called on states to expeditiously remit a reasonable percentage of funds by December in order to secure the slots allocated to the respective states.
The commission, in a letter addressed to Chief Executives of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commission signed by the Director, Finance and Accounts, Dr. Salihu A. Usman, stated that the call became necessary in view of the timeline issued by Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah which made it mandatory for every Hajj Mission who intended to participate in the 2024 Hajj to remit their money before a certain period.
The Hajj body further stated that failure on the part of any states to comply with the directive would be interpreted as being unprepared or not interested in participating in the 2024 Hajj exercise.
The Director, Finance and Accounts further stated in the letter that non-compliance with the directive would leave NAHCON with no other alternative or option than to reduce the number of slots earlier allocated to such states and allot same to states that had completed their remittance and in need of more slots.
This, he noted, will be “appropriate to meet datelines and ultimately facilitate a hitch-free exercise”.
According to Usman, it was important that NAHCON’s International Bank Account Number (IBAN) account needed to be adequately funded by December for the Commission to make payment to undertake or process some activities in the Kingdom.
The letter, with the heading “2024 Hajj remittances”, reads in part: “I am directed to inform you that considering the new timelines slated by Saudi authorities for 2024 Hajj activities, you are urged to expeditiously remit a reasonable percentage of funds for the slots allocation to your respective states.
“Failure to do so shall be interpreted as unpreparedness on your part and shall leave the Commission with no option but to slash your allocation and add to the more prepared states as appropriate to meet datelines and ultimately facilitate a hitch-free exercise.”
While thanking the states for their continued understanding, the letter solicited their continued cooperation in order to collectively work towards meeting the deadline and facilitating a hitch- free 2024 Hajj exercise.
