The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has announced the final number of intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj. According to Fatima Sanda Usara, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at the Commission, a total of 51,447 individuals have registered under the government quota.
In a statement, Usara expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government for their support in achieving this significant milestone. She also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Federal Government to facilitate the registration process for the pilgrims.
Usara praised the patience shown by the intending pilgrims amidst the uncertainties surrounding the 2024 Hajj. She highlighted the efforts of various stakeholders, including state governors and Ulamas, in addressing the challenges faced during the preparations.
Looking ahead, Usara emphasized the importance of long-term planning to prevent unforeseen challenges in future Hajj operations. She stressed the need for all Hajj stakeholders to collaborate and prepare adequately for upcoming pilgrimages.
Among the states, Kaduna recorded the highest number of pilgrims with 4,493 participants, followed closely by Kano with 3,053. On the other hand, Bayelsa and Ebonyi States had the lowest number of pilgrims with only 13 each, while Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, and Cross River did not have any pilgrims on the list.
Overall, the 2024 Hajj preparations presented unexpected challenges, but valuable lessons have been learned for future endeavors. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring a smooth and successful pilgrimage experience for all participants.
