The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, has announced that the preparation for this year’s Hajj has reached its peak.
Malam Arabi who made the announcement at the ongoing 1st National Stakeholders Summit of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah Industry in Abuja, said that the Commission has also scheduled May 15 for the 2024 Hajj inaugural flight.
“The preparation for this year Hajj was characterised with different challenges, Alhamdulillah we are able to overcome these challenges ranging from hajj fare, exchange rate, number of registered pilgrims, visa processing, accommodation, mashair and other logistics.
”I can proudly say that close to 65,500 pilgrims of the States Pilgrims Boards, Agencies and Commissions and the Tour operators will be participating in this year’s Hajj.
The visa processing has reached advance stage and approved carriers are fully ready for airlift of the pilgrims from their Departure Centres.
The Chairman also announced that the Nigerian Pilgrims will only spend 4 days in Madina this year instead of the 8 to ten day usually spent.
“All pilgrims will be visiting Madinah Munawarrah for maximum of four days before Hajj exercise. This is a major change from the operations of Hajj in the last decade.”
Malam Jalal said that the various challenges faced by the Nigerian pilgrims this year can only be compensated with effective and efficient service delivery that will engender the renewed hope of Nigerian pilgrims and emergence of Nigeria as the best Hajj mission globally.
The Rector, Hajj Institute of Nigeria, Professor Mohammed Maiturare called on the stakeholders involved in hajj operations to work together in ensuring the success of hajj operations.
The theme, of the summit”Partnership, Collaboration, and Teamwork: The Tripod of Success for 2024 Hajj Operations,” is not simply a slogan, but should serve as the cornerstone for a truly successful pilgrimage season. By working together, sharing expertise, and prioritizing the well-being of our pilgrims, we shall achieve a truly successful 2024 Hajj operation.
Therefore, as we stand on the threshold of the 2024 Hajj season, it is imperative that we, as a collective body serving the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation. As we all know very well, Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage, a cornerstone of Islam, and a deeply personal journey for the pilgrims. It is, therefore, our shared responsibility to ensure a smooth, fulfilling, and spiritually enriching experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.”
He said that the summit serves as a crucial platform for fostering such cooperation and collaboration between NAHCON, State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators and all the industry stakeholders.
“Through open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and a commitment to working together, we can address potential challenges that may arise and ensure the successful execution of 2024 Hajj operations”.
The two-day summit was organised by the Hajj Institute of Nigeria and sponsored by Lotus Bank.
Dominica Nwabufo
