The Executive Director (ED), Katsina State Pilgrims Board, Alhaji Suleiman Kuki, says the State Government has approved the commencement of lesser Hajj (Umrah) operations based on the internationally acceptable standard.
This was disclosed in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Katsina by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the board, Alhaji Badaru Bello.
According to the statement, Kuki gave this indication when he led his Management team on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Katsina command.
It said that Kuki informed the Comptroller that the visit was to extend the board’s gratitude for the usual cooperation, understanding and assistance always rendered to it by the NIS during the conduct of annual Hajj operations.
The statement said that Kuki observed that the lifting of the ban on Umrah operations by the Saudi Authorities after COVID-19 raises optimism that Hajj 2022 will hold for international pilgrims.
“In view of that, the board is formally informing the Comptroller that Katsina State pilgrims Board will soon commence Umrah operations.
“The Umrah Master Plan involves two options, long term and short term plans, which the board intends to pursue.” Kuki was quoted in the statement as saying.
It added that Kuki, during the visit, noted that the NIS is a professional organisation with up to date international travel regulations.
The statement disclosed that Kuki requested for an official of the NIS to be with the board to review and update the draft partnership agreement prepared to guide the operations between the board and the tour operating companies before submitting the same to the ministry of justice for their vetting.
The executive director requested for the provision of immigration personnel to conduct effective screening of prospective Umrah intending pilgrims during the registration exercise.
According to the statement, the ED added that the board intends to partner with max airline limited and utilise Umaru Musa Yar’adua international Airport, Katsina, for the airlift of Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Responding, the NIS Comptroller, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Mu’azu, expressed appreciation for the visit, adding that the board and his command are partners in progress in terms of Hajj and Umrah activities in the state.
He assured the ED of the command’s maximum support and cooperation towards the actualisation of the Umrah operations. (NAN)