Taraba Muslim Pilgrims Board Seeks Urgent Action on E-Passport Delays
The Ag. Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh. Abubakar U. Tanko, has paid an emergency visit to the new Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Taraba State Command, Madam Saratu A. Ibrahim, over issues affecting the 2027 Hajj preparations.
Speaking during the visit, Alh. Tanko, on behalf of the Board’s management, apologized for the short notice.
He said the visit was crucial in order to engage one of the Board’s major collaborators at this critical time, especially with the new policies introduced by the Saudi Hajj authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON.
While congratulating Madam Ibrahim on her new appointment, the Ag. ES also raised concern over delays in the processing of E-Passports for intending pilgrims, even after the payment of the expedited “Weaver” fee. He noted that the delay is affecting the Board’s timeline for E-registration and fare remittance.
Responding, the new Taraba State Controller of Immigration, Madam Saratu A. Ibrahim, expressed delight over the visit. She assured the Board that urgent steps would be taken to address the concerns raised and to support the successful airlift of pilgrims from the state.
Also during an interactive session, the PCO of the Command shed more light on the factors responsible for the delay.
The visit is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Board and the Immigration Service ahead of the 2027 Hajj exercise.
Hamza Baba Muri
Asst. Director Information
