By MAHMUD BABANGIDA BELI

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, along with his Commissioners, paid a courtesy visit to the Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, Ph.D., at the Katsina State Government Lodge, FCT, Abuja.

During the meeting, discussions were held on strategies to improve the 2025 Hajj, addressing key issues such as Hajj fares, airlift arrangements, medical care, Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), and accommodation. The NAHCON Chairman solicited the governor?s support to convince Federal Government to reconsider issuance of pilgrims? BTA through ATM credit cards during Hajj. He similarly solicited the governor?s assistance in urging other state governments to submit lists of officials who prefer Tent-A accommodations to streamline the process.

In response, Governor Radda assured the NAHCON team that he would table these requests and concerns at the upcoming meeting of the Northern Governors? Forum and seek the support of religious leaders to enhance public awareness on Hajj matters.

The Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, appealed to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to maintain the ?first come, first served? departure policy after the completion of Hajj to ensure fairness and faster return.

?Babangida Beli writes from NAHCON.

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