As preparations for the 2025 Hajj intensify, the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has registered approximately 1,850 intending pilgrims who have paid their fares, out of the 3,680 slots allocated to the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Executive Director of the board, Alhaji Yunusa Dankama, disclosed this during a meeting on Thursday with the board chairman, directors, and other key members in Katsina.

PUNCH Online gathered that the meeting was part of ongoing preparations for the Hajj exercise.

Providing updates on the board’s activities, Dankama detailed the progress of pilgrim registration and fare collection for the upcoming pilgrimage.

A statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Badaru Karofi, released on Friday, confirmed the figures. It read:

“The board has received an allocation of 3,680 Hajj seats from NAHCON and has so far registered approximately 1,850 pilgrims who have completed their payment.”

NAHCON Approves Max Air for Katsina Pilgrims’ Airlift

Dankama further briefed the board on recent developments following a meeting with NAHCON, where discussions centered on the transportation of pilgrims. He revealed that Max Air Airlines Limited has been approved as the official carrier for Katsina State pilgrims.

He also noted that Katsina pilgrims will be among the last batch of Nigerian contingents to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia.

Expressing appreciation for the state’s support, Dankama thanked Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, for his role in ensuring a smooth Hajj process.

In his opening remarks, the Board Chairman, Alhaji Kabir Alhazai—represented by Alhaji Ahmed Radda—urged board members to maintain the same level of commitment that led to last year’s successful Hajj operation.