Mahmoud Enjoins FCT Pilgrims To Abide By New Saudi Policies

…As FCT Airlifts 2,977 Pilgrims

By: Freda Aideyan

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called on the FCT pilgrims to abide by all the new policies introduced by the Saudi authorities as they depart Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Pilgrimage.

The Minister, who made this call at the farewell ceremony marking the departure of the 2024 FCT intending pilgrims to the holy land of Saudi Arabia, held at the Permanent Hajj Camp, Basan-Jiwa, Abuja, said that the new policy as it concerns movement in groups, transportation, feeding arrangements amongst others should be adhered to.

Mahmoud expressed confidence that the FCT Hajj operation this year would be rated higher than the previous ones, going by the commitment of the entire officials.

She stated that despite all challenges, the FCT Administration remains committed in doing everything possible in ensuring that FCT contingent gets the best treatment compared to any other state of the federation.

Her words: “For us to actualize success in the operation, the FCT Administration was proactive in ensuring that all the intending pilgrims complied with relevant policies to participate in the spiritual journey.”

“It is the conviction of the present FCT Administration in line with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of the President of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the pilgrimage which is a journey of a life time for every Muslim, be performed with utmost comfort,” she said.

“In order to actualize the success of this important religious obligation, the FCT Administration has conducted programmes and medical screening for both intending pilgrims and officials in conformity with the guidelines set by the relevant authorities for the Hajj operation this year,” Mahmoud affirmed.

The Minister, therefore, urged pilgrims to remember that Nigeria is passing through some economic and security challenges, which require prayers, saying “our country needs to remain united despite our differences”.

According to her, “We all need to pray for our dear country, in fact, our country Nigeria is passing through difficult reforms that need our prayers for the better.”

“And we should support the Administration and pray for the success of the various policies aimed at putting the country back on its right tract in accordance with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr. President”, she added.

In his remarks at the occasion, Director of FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Malam Abubakar Adamu Evuti, revealed that a total of 2,977 pilgrims would be airlifted from the Federal Capital Territory for this year’s Hajj operations.

He also stated that the figure comprises regular seats allocated to the Board by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the seats registered through the Hajj Saving Schemes (HSS) and seats allocated to stakeholders due to the peculiar status of the FCT.