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Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Commission has secured 4,302 visas for pilgrims from the state expected to perform this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The commission’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Sani Awwal, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Minna yesterday that it had completed preparations for the transportation of the pilgrims from October 9.
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He said the pilgrims had undergone orientation on the Hajj rites, relevant Saudi laws and other expectations on them.
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The PRO said 50 Imams had been engaged to assist and guide the pilgrims in the holy land.
Awwal disclosed that the renovation of the pilgrims camp in Minna had commenced, adding that stringent security measures were being taken to safeguard the pilgrims.
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“Only those with valid permit tags will be allowed into the camp, as strict measures had been put in place to control crowd movement.’’
Awwal warned pregnant women who evaded the screening conducted by the commission that scanners would be used at the airport, to stop them from travelling for the pilgrimage.
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He commended the state government for its assistance towards ensuring the success of this year’s Hajj and solicited for the cooperation of other stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free exercise.