The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has taken steps to address the concerns of Nigerian pilgrims by establishing a committee aimed at improving services for the 2024 Hajj.
This move comes as a response to complaints regarding subpar services provided by certain Saudi Mutawifs companies during the 2023 hajj activities in Saudi Arabia.
Mutawifs companies, local service providers in Saudi Arabia, are responsible for facilitating transportation, accommodations, feeding, and other essential services for pilgrims during Hajj.
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan who announced the formation of the committee during the Independent Hajj Reporters 2023 Hajj Lecture and Award event in Abuja, mentioned that the committee will explore alternative options to enhance the upcoming hajj exercise.
The allocation of hajj slots to states’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies has been completed, enabling timely preparations for the 2024 hajj.
NAHCON has also specified a minimum hajj fare deposit of N4.5 million following an in-house review of the 2023 hajj, with the goal of finding lasting solutions to challenges experienced during previous pilgrimages.
The former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, has called upon the federal government to develop a policy to address issues related to tour operators failing to meet their duties during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Ibrahim Muhammed, the National Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters, has emphasized the need for a critical examination of administrative structures in the top 10 countries to improve hajj services delivery and preparation in Nigeria.
In recognition of their outstanding efforts, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Dr. Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, was honored with the Best Hajj Administrator award.
Dr. Arrigasiyyu expressed his commitment to serving pilgrims before, during, and after the hajj exercise, highlighting the agency’s dedication to media sensitization efforts.
Dominica Nwabufo
