By Shehu Danjuma
Katsina – The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has allocated 4,722 hajj seats to Katsina State for the 2017 hajj exercise.
Alhaji Muhammed Rimi, the Executive Secretary of the state hajj board, told newsmen on Tuesday in Katsina.
“The commission has directed us to start collecting hajj deposit from intending pilgrims and we have begun collecting the deposit in the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
“The board has directed each pilgrim to deposit the sum of one million naira, pending the final announcement of the actual hajj fare by the commission.
“We have begun preparation for the 2017 hajj exercise, as the board had already secured accommodation at Mecca and Medina at strategic places near the Holy Mosque.
“The board will soon establish state and Local Government Hajj committees for the smooth operation of the exercise,” he said.
Rimi said that the board in collaboration with the commission would conduct the rehabilitation of the Katsina Hajj Camp.
“The rehabilitation includes the installation of modern facilities to provide a conducive atmosphere for the intending pilgrims while in the hajj camp before they are transported to the Holy Land,” he said.
NAN reports that the board started early preparation for the hajj in order to avoid any setback in the process.
