By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad has approved the collection of the sum of N6,500,000:00 as minimum initial deposit for 2025 hajj from the state intending pilgrims.
The Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Imam Abdurrahman Ibrahim Idris made the disclosure while briefing press on preparation for 2025 hajj exercise held in his Office.
He also stated that the collection will commence on Wednesday, 11th September, 2024.
He added that the Board has no option rather than to peg this amount considering the cost of the 2024 hajj fare which amounted to the sum of over N8,000,000:00 due to devaluation of Naira against Dollar.
Imam Abdurrahman advised the intending pilgrims to pay above the minimum from N6.5m up to N8m so as to enable them easily settle the final fare when announced by the National Hajj Commissioner of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He remainded them that all payments are you be made through Bank tellers, noting that his Board does not entertain cash payments.
On the mode of collection, Imam Abdurrahman stated that those who are willing to perform hajj through Local Governments should meet the Hajj affairs officer at the Local Government secretariat to collect a customised hajj Bank teller to pay the deposit and for the Board’s pilgrims (Bs1), the pay point has been transferred to Jaiz Bank.
The intending pilgrims are therefore requested to enroll themselves under Hajj Saving Scheme HSS at the Jaiz Bank.
Imam Abdurrahman used the forum to appeal to the hajj stakeholders, particularly Civil Society Organisations, Traditional leaders and religious organisations through their sermons and preaching to assist the Board in educating and enlighten the intending pilgrims on the need to pay the deposit on time as contained in a statement by Muhammad Sani Yunusa, information Officer.
