Sokoto state will start airlifting intending pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj on Friday.
The Permanent Secretary in the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Shehu Muhammad Dange, revealed this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday.
According to him, the state has a total number of 5,304 prospective pilgrims.
He said that already, the board had secured befitting accomodation for the pilgrims both in Medina and Makkah.
“We are processing visas and Basic Transport Allowance (BTA) for the pilgrims,” he added.
Muhammad Dange revealed that the BTA was reduced to USD700 because of the upward review of air fares by the airline operators due to the current crisis in Sudan.
He advised the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and the country at large.