As preparations for the 2025 annual Hajj exercise intensify, the National Hajj Commission has sought the support, advice, and intervention of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko to ensure the success of its mandate.
The Commission’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, led a delegation of top officials on a visit to Senator Wamakko’s Gawon Nama residence in Sokoto over the weekend.
Addressing the former governor, Usman explained that the visit was part of the Commission’s nationwide tour aimed at fostering collaboration, understanding, and public sensitization to guarantee a smooth Hajj operation in the country.
Senator Wamakko, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, was commended for his ongoing contributions to national development.
“We also visited Borno, Lagos, and Kebbi states and today in Sokoto state considering the vital role played by you (Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko) in assisting the affairs of the commission”, while stating that it was also to request your intervention in finding possible solution to reducing the cost of Hajj fares, especially from airline careers due to skyrocketing forex exchange.
However, the Chairman disclosed that, 95,000 Hajj Seats were allocated to Nigeria for next year’s Hajj Exercise though decried the short space of time to enable the acquisition of the slots allotted due late payments of fares.
He urged Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North District, to advocate for increased efforts by state governors in sensitizing intending pilgrims.
Usman emphasized the need for Hajj agencies, boards, and commissions to encourage early payments by pilgrims to meet Saudi Arabia’s deadlines and facilitate smooth preparations for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
Usman also highlighted issues with Hajj fares, noting that while some airline operators have agreed to reduce prices, others remain unresponsive.
He appealed for Senator Wamakko’s intervention in negotiating better deals and advocated for Hajj registration fees to be paid in Nigerian currency, which he described as more affordable than foreign currency options.
He further stressed that late registrations by state Hajj agencies often result in Nigerian pilgrims being accommodated far from the Holy Mosque.
Early registration, he argued, would secure closer accommodations. Additionally, Usman recommended the adoption of a Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS) to allow intending pilgrims to save in installments through Islamic banks over a few years.
Responding, Senator Wamakko congratulated Usman on his appointment and acknowledged the challenges of high Hajj fares, which he described as concerning.
He urged the Commission to advise the government on ways to reduce costs and expressed dissatisfaction with the $400 travel allowance allocated to pilgrims, calling it inadequate.
“The amount seems insufficient and needs to be reconsidered by the authorities,” Wamakko said, promising to engage relevant stakeholders to address these concerns.
He also advised the Commission to exercise patience and provide better support for pilgrims, particularly during their stay in the holy land.
The Chairman of the Sokoto Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Aliyu Musa, led the delegation accompanying Professor Usman to Senator Wamakko’s residence.
The entourage included prominent officials such as Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, Bukar Babagana, Sirajo Saleh Usman, Abubakar Ka’oje, Abubakar Abdulmalik Diggi, Rabi’u Na-Allah, Dr. Danbaba Haruna, and Abba Bulama.
