Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has expressed concerns about the lengthy 40-day stay required for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia after Hajj.
In a recent discussion with Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Radda stressed the importance of reforms and better support for the pilgrims.
According to THE NATION, He pointed out the difficulties impacting Hajj operations, especially the rising costs caused by currency depreciation, which affect both pilgrims and the government. Looking back at last year’s Hajj, Radda recognized the struggles faced, as Katsina State managed to send around 2,700 pilgrims despite these challenges.
Radda suggested shortening the pilgrimage from 40 days to three or four weeks to help reduce financial pressures on pilgrims. He questioned the need for such a long stay, noting that many international Hajj programs enable pilgrims to complete their journey in just 5 to 7 days.
His words,
“I question why our pilgrims are required to spend up to 40 days in Saudi Arabia after Hajj, while those on international Hajj programs complete their pilgrimage in just 5 to 7 days.”
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