2011 Hajj: NAHCON Bans Pregnant Women

The  Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board says it was the Federal Government and not the state government that banned pregnant women from going for the yearly pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

It stated that it was the Federal Government that gave the states the order to stop pregnant women from performing the hajj because of the rigours involved.

Executive Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Olakunle Adewale, said the state government decided to enforce the decision because it came from the Federal Government through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.

“This decision is not the policy of the Lagos State Government but that of the Saudi Authorities through NAHCON.

“It should be noted that Lagos State lost seven seats as  penalty last year.  This is because a pregnant woman from Lagos State delivered in Saudi Arabia.

“It is in line with this punitive and disgraceful act that the state wishes to enforce the directive,” he stated.

Meanwhile,  sale of the 2011 hajj forms commenced yesterday at the board’s office as hundreds of Muslims thronged the area to purchase forms so that they could take part in the pilgrimage.