The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board on Thursday fixed N8.5m as initial deposit for the 2025 Hajj exercise to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede. made this disclosure in a statement released by the Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Taofeek Lawal, calling on intending pilgrims to obtain the Hajj form from its office.
According to Onipede, the cost of the Hajj form is N20,000.00 while intending pilgrims are to pay the sum of N8,500,000.00 as initial deposit, pending the official announcement of the actual fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The statement reads “In consideration of the present economic situation of the Country, the Board has decided to make the payment flexible for intending pilgrims to pay the money in installment in order for them to actualise their dream of performing the spiritual obligation in a seamless manner”.
READ ALSO: ICPC Raids NAHCON Office, Arrests Director Over Alleged N90b Hajj Subsidy Fraud
While urging them not to make payment into personal accounts, Onipede advised that interested Muslims should raise a ‘Bank Draft’ from any of the Commercial Banks in favour of ‘Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board’ and submit same to the Accounts department for collection of official receipt for the value of the sum paid.
Onipede gave assurances that should the actual Hajj fare finally announced by NAHCON falls below N8.5 million, the Board would refund them with the balance.
Quoting from the Holy Quran Chapter 22 vs 27, the Board Secretary stated that it is incumbent on every Muslim (male and female) who are mentally, physically and financially capable, to embark on the holy pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.
READ ALSO: NAHCON Increases Hajj Fare By N1.9m
He therefore prayed that Allah in His infinite mercy would provide every intending pilgrim the financial wherewithal to actualize their dream this year, even as he prayed for Allah’s intervention in the crushing economic situation presently being faced by Nigerians.
He assured every intending pilgrim of the State Government’s preparedness to always make the exercise comfortable for them through a well thought out activities and packages which include, accommodating them in a conducive hotel nearer to Haram both in Makkah and Madinah and Ziyarah (visitation) to historical sites in Makkah and Madinah.
Others are regular spiritual counselling and guidance on Islamic tenets by Islamic scholars (Ulamah); quality foods in local delicacies (twice daily) and provision of medical care, amongst others.