By Abdullahi Muhammad, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board(FCT-MPWB), has said that all intending pilgrims who missed last year’s Hajj have been directed to update their registration with the Board while those who deposited less than the minimum 2.5 Million Naira have been requested to top up deposit to book a seat for the 2023 Hajj exercise.
The Director of the Board, Mallam Muhammad Nasiru Danmallam gave the directives while briefing top Management staff on the first pre-Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia and preparation for 2023 Hajj activities.
Danmallam revealed that the directives became necessary to enable the Board compile the actual list of Intending Pilgrims for the exercise this year.
The Director also requested those who paid for the Hajj last year but missed the exercise due to any reason to report to the Board with original receipt of payment to declare their interest to participate on this year’s hajj or get refund.
He disclosed that a total of one hundred and eighty five Intending Pilgrims who made complete payment last year missed the hajj due to the shortage of Hajj seats as a result of insufficient Hajj allocations by Saudi Arabia.
The Director disclosed that the Board has already registered over 1000 intending pilgrims for this year’s hajj exercise and has since kicked- started arrangement for the Hajj operation.
He stated that the Board has commenced negotiations with service providers in Saudi Arabia for the provision of feeding and a befitting accommodation in Makkah during the Hajj this year.
He reiterated the Board’s readiness to continue to render the best services to FCT contingents to this year’s hajj in line with the desire of the FCT Administration.