From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has issued new deadline of January 30, 2025, for the registration of intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.
This deadline serves as a final call for residents of the FCT intending to embark on this year’s spiritual journey to complete their registration on time in order to avoid missing out.
In a statement issued by the Board’s spokesperson, Mohammed Aliyu, the deadline adjustment aligns with directives from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which set February 1 as the deadline for state Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies to remit all collections.
The statement indicated that more than 40% of the Board’s Hajj allocation has been utilized since registration began in September 2024. Prospective pilgrims are urged to make their deposits promptly to secure their slots.
He explained that intended pilgrims must deposit a minimum of ₦8,400,000.00 via bank draft from any commercial bank, payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja.
He added that registration can be completed at any of the Board’s offices across the six area councils or at the head office in the Central Business District, Abuja.
Aliyu emphasised that the registration operates on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness, urging those who made deposits for previous Hajj exercises but were unable to participate to top up their payments to meet the minimum deposit requirement before the deadline to secure their seats.
The Board further assured registered pilgrims of improved services for the forthcoming Hajj through newly introduced strategies.
Aliyu reiterated the Board’s commitment to delivering outstanding services in Hajj operations.