2023 Hajj: Commission To Commence Screening Of Air Carriers, Cargo Companies

The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan while inaugurating the screening committee,  said that the process becomes necessary in order to select the best companies that meet the requirements for delivering excellent services.

He urged the screening committee to speed up its activities in order to meet up with the deadline of the Saudi Arabia government.

The NAHCON Chairman noted that the commission has scheduled its inaugural flight for the 21st of May 2023.

“By our plan, we scheduled the inaugural flight for the 21st of may 2023. That is exactly 81 days from today. Because of this I am urging the screening committee to work day and night, so that by 7th of march, we will get the report that we can send to Mr President for approval so that we will be able to get the necessary approval from the aviation authority here and Saudi Arabia, and therefore we will say we are ready for this years’ flight operation” he said.

The NAHCON Boss also called on intending pilgrims to complete their registration with the state ministry pilgrims welfare board or through the Hajj savings scheme on or before the 7th of march.

He noted that the registration for this year will close in due course in other to meet with the deadline issued.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa noted that proper arrangements for airline services in place determine the success of every other aspect of the Hajj services.

“You know airlines, if they perform well, the rest of the Hajj will be well performed but if we get failure from any of you, then it will dislodge every other arrangements.” He said.

Senator Bulkachuwa noted that failures in the area of airline operations had in the past caused pilgrims unnecessary delays that disrupted a smooth Hajj operation.

Chairman House Committee on Pilgrims Affairs, Hon Abubakar Nalaraba recalled that pilgrims encountered unpleasant experiences last year due to the mismanagement of airline operators. He thereby called on the commission to sanction the airlines that were involved in sharp services last year and be prevented from operation this year.

“If you have aircraft on ground, you should be considered, if you don’t have aircraft on ground, you have no business in applying for this job”.

Ten airlines applied to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj, while three cargo airlines applied to transport the pilgrims’ luggage back to Nigeria.