The National Hajj Commission has revealed that for the first time after The Gambia gained independence, a record number of Muslims from the country will perform the Hajj this year.

A member of the Commission told What’s On-Gambia that six private travel agencies were this year approved as operators and a record 1,700 pilgrims will go to the 2018 Hajj.

“We shared Gambia’s Hajj quota between Gambia International Airlines and the travel agencies,” he disclosed, adding: “the new government under Adama Barrow is really doing well in getting our hajj quote increased every year.  Before their arrival even to get 1000 pilgrims from The Gambia was a big problem.”

The former Kanifing Municipal Council mayoral candidate, Papa Njie disclosed on Facebook that he is among the 1,700 travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.

Majority of them have already received their visas from Saudi authorities.