Lagos laments cancellation of Hajj slots, suspends sales of forms

Lagos State government on Tuesday lamented the last minute cancellation of an additional 5000 Hajj slots for Nigeria by the Saudi authorities, saying the decision has put the state in a precarious situation.

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Elegushi stated this at a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, to update affected intending pilgrims on the decision of the state government.

According to him, 1,562 slots were allocated to the State by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), but 1,598 pilgrims were airlifted, including those from approved private organisatio from the State.

Elegushi hinted that the state will put on hold sales of forms for the year 2023 Hajj pending confirmation of the actual number of slots to be given, while the published names would be given first offer of refusal.

The commissioner said the state government will make refund process seamless and quickly available for those intending pilgrims who wish to take such option.

He said: “A further 250 slots were given by NAHCON based on the expectation of additional 5000 slots promised by the Saudi authorities, but unfortunately the Saudi authorities declined the 5000 slots while we had gone ahead to allocate the 250 slots awaiting final processing and Visa from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“It is however regrettable to note that the 5000 slots promised were declined by the Saudi authorities thereby placing us in this precarious situation which we find ourselves in Lagos State.

“We are aware that this matter affects every nation of the world that has intending pilgrims but the reactions and the need to make things clear have necessitated this address.”