The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has issued a warning to Nigerian pilgrims planning to perform the 2024 Hajj without proper documentation, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has introduced a stringent penalty for violators.
According to Daily Trust, the NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, the Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately N3,708,336) and deportation for anyone caught performing Hajj without the authorized Hajj permit.
Usara said NAHCON received the letter through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Abuja, disclosing the stand of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars on the matter.
“The Council issued a Fatwa (a legal ruling given by recognised religious authority) to the Muslim Ummah emphasising the prohibition of performing Hajj without a permit.”
The letter stated in part that, “The Council in its Fatwa, urged pilgrims to adhere to rules and regulations, aimed at enabling Muslims to perform the Hajj in safety and tranquility.”
