The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has confirmed that the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj will officially begin on May 9.
Speaking to journalists on the state’s readiness for the spiritual exercise in Saudi Arabia, the Chairman of the agency, Aliyu Musa, gave a comprehensive update on preparations.
According to him, a total of 2,860 pilgrims from the state have registered, with 2,500 visas already secured ahead of the journey.
“We have finalized arrangements with officials of Flynass Airlines, the airline responsible for airlifting intending pilgrims from the state to the holy land,” Musa said.
He noted that preparations were nearing completion in terms of logistics to facilitate a seamless Hajj experience for the state’s contingent.
Musa further stated that pilgrims from Sokoto this year would be housed in the Masfala district of Makkah, a location he described as familiar to many who have embarked on the pilgrimage in previous years.
“This arrangement was made to ensure that our pilgrims are comfortable and settled in a known environment,” he added.
In a new development, the chairman revealed a change in the method of payment for the Hadaya, the sacrificial rite, explaining that it must now be paid in Naira before departure.
“This is to prevent pilgrims from tampering with their Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) while in Saudi Arabia, which is capped at 500 dollars,” he explained.
Musa concluded by urging the pilgrims to exhibit good conduct and represent both Sokoto State and Nigeria in a positive light throughout their stay in the Kingdom.
“We are calling on our pilgrims to avoid any acts that could tarnish the image of Sokoto State and Nigeria. The Hajj is a spiritual journey, and it should be treated as such,” he advised.
