The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has begin preparations for the 2018 Hajj with the announcement of an initial deposit of N1, 350, 000 as hajj fare.
Executive Secretary of the board, Mr. Muftau Okoya told newsmen in Lagos that there is opportunity to pay in instalment of at least N100, 000 minimum deposits.
It would be recalled that pilgrims who performed the just-concluded exercise paid over N1.5m as Hajj fee amidst grumbling which nearly marred preparations for the exercise.
He said arrangement has been concluded to present Certificate of Participation to pilgrims of 2017 Hajj Exercise with effect from Friday.
Okoya stated that the Certificate is an evidence of successful participation in the 2017 Hajj Exercise, adding that Lagos is fully committed to the welfare and security of its people and is willing to recognize excellent performance and good conduct that was displayed by the pilgrims in the last hajj exercise.
He explained further that special prayers have been arranged to take place after the Jumat Service while calling on the 2,332 Al-Hujaj who took part in the exercise to please be present in order to enjoy the immeasurable benefits of the special day.
He said the sale of hajj form will begin on 8th November, 2017 at the Board office in Ikeja GRA.
According to him, interested pilgrims are to collect a teller from the board for payment of the required registration fees.
He advised interested intending pilgrims to pay on time to forestall the logistic challenges that were experienced during last operation.
He pointed out that the policy of first come first served remains sacrosanct in the allocation of pilgrims to local governments of convenience and in the allocation of hotels, tents and other facilities by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
