Hajj Reporters
The Executive Director Katsina state pilgrims welfare board Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu kuki and his Management team has meet with the comptroller of immigration, Katsina command to seek areas of cooperation towards its preparation to commence Umrah Services.
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Speaking during the visit, Alhaji Suleiman kuki informed the comptroller that the visit also aims at extending the board’s gratitude for the usual cooperation, understanding and assistance always rendered to it by the Nigeria Immigration during the conduct of annual Hajj operations.
“The return of normalcy and lifting of ban for Umrah operations by the Saudi Authorities raises our hope that Hajj 2022 will take place and that that international pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj”.
Speaking further, Kuki told the comptroller that His Excellency Alh Aminu Bello Masari has granted approval to the board to commerce Umrah operation based on the internationally acceptable standard.
In view of that He said the board is formally informing the comptroller that Katsina State pilgrims Board will soon commence Umrah operations. The Umrah Master Plan according to the executive director involves two options, long term and short term plans which the board intend to pursue with vigour to diversify the board activities.
Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu kuki stressed the importance of working and partnering with Nigeria Immigration services in such tasks “Nigeria Immigration Services is an establishment that deals with international travel regulations and therefore Katsina state Pilgrims board do formally request that the NIS appoints an officer who will be with the board to review and update the draft partnership agreement prepared to guide the operations between the board and the Tour Operator company before submitting same to the ministry of justice for their vetting”.
The board also made a request for the provision of immigration personnel to conduct screening for prospective Umrah intending pilgrims during the registration exercise, adding that the board intend to partner with Max Airline and Utilise Umaru Musa Yar’adua international Airport Katsina for the airlift of Umrah pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
In his response, the Comptroller of Immigration Katsina state command 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 Katsina state.
He assured the Executive Director of the command’s maximum Support and cooperation towards actualization of the Umrah operations in Katsina state and also applauds and congratulates the the board for initiating the Umrah operation in Katsina state.
