Insurance receives a boost as Ogun introduces scheme pilgrims

Players in insurance industry operating in the country may have to relocate to Ogun state as government compels thousands of intending Hajj pilgrims to holy land of Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia in 2016 to register for insurance scheme as part of measures to reduce risks attached to pilgrimage and performance of Hajj rites.

It will be recalled that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria confirmed that hundreds of Nigerian pilgrims were part of thousands of the World pilgrims to 2015 Hajj, who were either declared missing or lost their lives to stampede and crane crash that occurred during the holy pilgrimage and performance of Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia this year.

Consequently, Ogun state government through the State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (OGMPWB) introduced a compulsory insurance scheme for intending pilgrims to 2016 Hajj in addition to the proposed sales of 2016 Hajj forms that will take place from January 4th to 8th next year, which analysts said, would boost insurance business in the state.

Speaking in Abeokuta on the proposed insurance scheme for Hajj pilgrims, Sefiu Rasheed, the executive secretary of the board, disclosed that eligible Hajj pilgrims would pay a sum of N3,000 for the insurance policy and the sum of N10,000 for the purchase of 2016 Hajj form.

Rasheed stated that intending pilgrims are expected to pay the sum of N800,000 as initial deposit before February 15, 2016, while medical laboratory test for an effective care of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia would be conducted by the board’s approved laboratory at a sum of N2,700 which should be paid into accredited bank accounts.

He noted that intending pilgrims are also expected to provide original certificate of origin from their respective Local Government Areas or Letter of Identification, just as he advised intending pilgrims to make adequate preparation to stay beyond 41 days for the completion of Hajj rites since any eventualities and unplanned occurrences may arise.