Religion

2024 Hajj: Final Flight from Abuja Departs

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By Hamza Alkali

The final flight for the 2024 Hajj outbound operations has departed from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory to Madinah. 

The airlift combines about 211 remaining pilgrims from Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, FCT and Niger states. 

Similarly included in the flight is the last batch of officials for the 2024 Hajj.

The chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi in a press briefing explained that this flight marks the end of the year’s Hajj outbound airlift to Makkah for state quota pilgrims.

He said the airlift of private tour operators pilgrims would also end today 10th 06, 2024, by 2PM in the afternoon.

All other private tour operators are expected to conclude conveyance of their pilgrims before closure of Jeddah and Madinah airports for all inbound Hajj airlift operations.

The NAHCON chairman said announced that the return journey for the 2024 Hajj is slated to commence on the 22nd of June 2024 based on first-in-first-out basis.

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Religion

NAHCON Records 13 Deaths in 2023 Hajj

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National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, says six persons have reportedly died in the course of the Hajj rites in Mina and Arafat.

NAHCON’s Head of Medical Mission, Dr. Usman Galadima, made this known during a Stakeholders’ meeting in Makkah, on Sunday.

The deaths of the six pilgrims bring the total number of deaths at the 2023 Hajj exercise to 13.

In its report, the NAHCON medical team said Kaduna and Osun States lost two pilgrims each; Plateau, Borno, Yobe, FCT, Benue, and Lagos states lost one pilgrim respectively, while tour operators lost three pilgrims.

In his presentation, Galadima explained that a total of seven pilgrims died before Misha’ir movement from Mina to Arafat, and back to Mina while another six died during the Misha’ir.

He said: “Some of the challenges faced in Mina included increased pressure on the ambulance services, increased congestion in Mina, and poor sanitization”.

Galadima also disclosed that two Nigerians had been put to bed during the 5-days Hajj rites, while 93 emergency cases were being attended to, including three cases of Chickenpox.

The team also reportedly recorded five psychiatric cases, seven heat strokes, 12 severe malaria cases, and seven cases of diabetes emergencies.

Meanwhile, NAHCON’s Head of Aviation, Goni Sanda disclosed that the inaugural return flight to Nigeria had been scheduled for the 4th of July and would run till the 3rd of August, adding that both officials and pilgrims would be treated on a “first come, first to depart system”

He however stated that most officials may spend “nothing more than 45 days in Saudi Arabia to ensure smooth return of Nigerians home.”

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Religion

Airlift of Hajj Pilgrims End June 24

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria said that airlifting of pilgrims to the Holy Land will end on Saturday the 24th of June 2023.

Consequently, the Commission has asked intending pilgrims yet to be airlifted, to reach the nearest Pilgrims’ Welfare Agency for confirmation and subsequent dispatch for the 2023 Hajj Pilgrimage.

This was contained in a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Usara, on Thursday.

“Outbound movement of pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia would be winding up in a few hours’ time. It has been a 27-day marathon, aboard 170 flights so far into Jeddah and Madinah airports, conveying above 71,000 Nigerian pilgrims and still counting.

The Commission calls on any eligible pilgrims with valid travel documents that have not been contacted for the journey, to approach the nearest Pilgrims’ Welfare Agency for confirmation and subsequent dispatch to the Kingdom for the 2023 Hajj exercises”, the statement read.

Meanwhile, NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Kunle Hassan, on behalf of the management, congratulated the successful pilgrims and urged them to dedicate their time towards attaining the ultimate Hajj Mabrur.

The Chairman also sympathised with intending pilgrims who were unable to make the Hajj trip this year and appealed to them to “take the failure to participate as part of destiny, and to take solace in the fact that the Commission would address their situations accordingly”.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Religion

Do not patronise unapproved food vendors, NAHCON Warns Pilgrims

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has warned pilgrims against patronising unapproved food vendors.

The Nigerian pilgrims are currently undergoing the Islamic religious rites for the 2023 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The commission’s Coordinator in Madina, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, on Wednesday in Madinah.

Mahmud said the commission had engaged the services of approved caterers for pilgrims feeding to protect them against contaminated food.

He explained that NAHCON had negotiated with the Saudi-based caterers in partnership with the Nigerian indigenous caterers to prepare local cuisines for the pilgrims.

He revealed that the commission has so far inspected the kitchens where caterers would be preparing food for the pilgrims to ensure that pilgrims get value for their money.

“Since the arrival of the NAHCON’s Advance Team on May 26, we undertook some activities which include a visit to all the relevant offices here in Madina.

“We visited the airport, the logistics company, Adilah, offices of accommodation providers, and kitchens of the caterers that will provide food for the Nigerian pilgrims.

“The purpose of embarking on the visits was to inform them that the Nigerian delegation is on the ground and ready to commence the exercise with a view to ensure smooth hajj operation.”

The coordinator said he held a coordination meeting with heads of various committees to strategies how to conduct hajj operations effectively.

“Since May 26, we started receiving pilgrims from Nasarawa State who were warmly welcomed by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawal.

“He was accompanied by the Consul General, Bello Kazaure and other mission staff from both the Nigerian Embassy and Consulate in Riyadh.

“Thereafter, the pilgrims were taken to their respective accommodations by the committee in charge of accommodations. So also the feeding committee ensures that food is provided for them.

“So far from May 26 to date we have received no fewer than 10,484 Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and the transportation of pilgrims is ongoing. All the pilgrims were well accommodated and they are going about their religious activities.”

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Religion

States, FCT Get Slots for 2023 Hajj

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By Nafiu Busari

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated the number of hajj seats that will go to states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the 2023 hajj.

In a statement by NAHCON’s assistant director, information and publications, Mousa Ubandawaki, he disclosed that Kaduna would get the highest number, with 5,982 seats, followed by Kano State, with 5,902 seats and Sokoto, with 5,504.

Others are Niger State with 5,165 seats; Katsina 4,913; Kebbi 4871, Kwara 3,219, Lagos 3,576, FCT, 3,520, Gombe 2,301, Imo 30, Jigawa. 1,525, Plateau 1,984, Rivers 50 and Taraba 1,590.

The statement further indicates that Abia State is to receive 53 seats with Adamawa getting 2,669; Anambra is getting 39, while Bauchi gets 3,132.
Bayelsa has 35; Benue 236; Borno 2,735, Cross Rivers 66, Delta 74, Nasarawa 1,567; Ogun 1,139; Ondo 436; Osun 1,054; Oyo 1,441; Yobe 1,968; Ebonyi 117; Edo, 274; Ekiti, 197 and Enugu 40.

The statement added that the allocation for Kogi State would be released after the conclusion of its ongoing review of activities, while allocation of Akwa Ibom State was suspended due to non-renewal of its operating license.

According to the statement, all the states are expected to remit 50 per cent of the 2022 seat allocations to the commission before the February 10 deadline. Inability of any state to comply with the deadline date will lead to reduction in allocation. ,It will be recalled that Saudi Arabia had allocated 95,000 hajj slots to Nigeria for the 2023 annual spiritual journey.

This doubled the amount given to the country in 2022, which made some intending pilgrims miss the exercise.

Religion

2023 Hajj: NAHCON Commences Screening of Catering Service Applicants

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has commenced the screening of accommodation and catering service applicants for the 2023 Hajj.

The screening is being conducted by a Committee headed by Dr Bala Muhammed of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, who represents the Jammat Nasirl Islam (JN I) on the board of the commission.

Other members of the committee include three (3) representatives of the Forum of State Chairmen/Secretaries (Lagos, FCT and Plateau states) and representatives of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON).

 Over hundred (100) companies submitted applications for the provision of accommodation and catering services in Makkah and Madinah.

Before a company can be cleared, it must meet the criteria of having a share capital of not less than SR 5 Million( Five Million Saudi Riyals) for Accommodation and SR2 million ( Two Million Saudi Riyals) for catering service.

 In addition, a successful company must show evidence or proof of ownership or a Lease Agreement and must also have a working agreement or partnership with a Nigerian entity, while a cognitive experience of 5 years and most importantly with Nigeria is an added advantage.

The breakdown of the list of Applicants showed that 38 companies applied for the Makkah accommodation, while 16 applied for the Madina accommodation.

 77 companies applied for feeding of pilgrims in Makkah and 24 companies bidding for Madina pilgrims.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON, the 36 State pilgrims welfare boards agencies commissions and the Tour operators are to pick from the list of successful companies for the provision of accommodation and catering services during the 2023 Hajj.

Nafiu Busari

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Religion

Ogun Pilgrims Board Commences 2023 Hajj Operations

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Ogun State Government through the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the commencement of registration, processing, and documentation for 2023 Hajj exercise, in line with the directive of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON).

A release signed by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda stated that Intending Pilgrims are required to visit the Board to collect tellers and pay the initial Hajj deposit of #2, 000, 000 in not more than three instalments.

The release urged those who wish to roll-over their initial Hajj deposit to come for proper documentation at Block B, Secretariat Complex, Oke- Mosan, Abeokuta.

Prospective Pilgrims are also mandated to have valid International Passport to guarantee their journey to the Holy Land.

Sola Agboola/ Titilayo Kupoliyi

Religion

Govt Refunds Pilgrims who Missed Hajj

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The Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim wing, Professor Sayed Malik has assured the State intending pilgrims who missed the 2022 Hajj of the Board’s readiness to refund their fares.

This is even as he further assured that those who do not wish to collect their money back will be given priority next year.

He revealed this while briefing journalists on the 2022 Hajj report recently in his office, at Olodo, Ibadan.

The Chairman, therefore, said the Board has commenced full payment to those who wish to take their money back irrespective of the

initial cost deduction for their inoculation, clothes, bags, and some other charges.

“The Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has graciously approved the payment of full money without any deduction to whoever among them that intends to collect his/her money”, he said.

“His Excellency has also directed that those who want to use their money for the 2023 Hajj would be the first to be considered for the exercise, Prof. assured.

Professor Malik also said that the Board has embarked on another round of refunds of unspent funds from the 2022 Hajj fare to all Pilgrims that went with the Board for the Hajj exercise. 

He then called on the pilgrims, to visit the Account Section of the Board along with their receipts to claim their funds.

“All the pilgrims who performed the 2022 Hajj with the Board should come to Olodo Hajj Camp with their receipts for processing of the amount of money to be refunded.”

“Our Account Department is confirming the amount remaining, after deducting all their expenses. Whatever is remaining would be given to each pilgrim”, he said

Professor Malik noted that there were hitches in this year’s Hajj exercise but pledged that such hitches would not be allowed to re-occur in 2023.

“Lessons were learned in this year’s Hajj exercise. And these lessons will be put to use in the planning of next year’s exercise. I want to assure you that we will block all loopholes noticed in the 2022 hajj. In sha Allah, 2023 Hajj will be better in terms of planning and arrangements”, Professor Malik said.

He exonerated the Board from the unfortunate phenomenon encountered by this year’s Hajj while explaining that, “the inadequacies were not peculiar to Oyo State as they were experienced by the intending pilgrims in other States of the Federation. In fact, the problems were worse in some other states. This was why the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had to tender an apology to the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and the Tour Operators.”

Professor Malik, however, stated that this year’s Hajj exercise was a success despite some hitches encountered before the exercise.

“I am happy to inform you that the 2022 Hajj exercise was eventually successful”

“In spite of the initial hiccups caused by the Saudi Authorities’ strict anti-COVID 19 protocols and the haphazard arrangements of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the hajj exercise was a success.

“Apart from the fact that the initial hitches were solved, there was no record of any casualty among the Oyo State Pilgrims throughout the period of the holy pilgrimage. All the Six hundred and Forty-One (641) pilgrims who performed the 2022 Hajj in Makkah returned safely”, affirmed Professor

He added that “all the pilgrims were given their Basic Traveling Allowances (BTA) in full. The initial complaints of a very few of the pilgrims were addressed as none of them was owed”.

The Board Chair charged those that have passports with the Board and have the intention to use them for another important thing, to come for it.

“All intending pilgrims who left their passports with the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board should come to Hajj Camp, Olodo to collect them 

Malik was full of thanks to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde for the massive support given to the Board by providing all the needed resources to ensure a smooth and hitch-free exercise.

“The success recorded in this year’s Hajj could not have been possible if not for the support we enjoyed from His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. We, therefore, express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency for the timely and invaluable moral and financial support he gave to the Board. 

“We are also grateful to the members of the Government Delegation under the table leadership of the Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun as well as the Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Ololade Agboola for their immense contributions to this year’s Hajj exercise”, he concluded.

Oluwakayode Banjo

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Religion

2022 Hajj: NAHCON Decries Late Access to Information

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Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah Hassan says the lack of timely essential information is responsible for the difficulties experienced in this year’s Hajj exercise.

He stated this in Makkah at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Hajj season Organized by Tawafa Company for pilgrims of African non-Arab countries.

Alhaji Hassan said an early supply of Information would go a long way in enhancing effective preparations noting that major hitches experienced in this year’s Hajj was due to delayed messages. 

He decried the idea of getting vital information on Hajj on social media without any recourse to the formal channels of passing messages across to countries.

The NAHCON boss congratulated the government of the Kingdom of Saudi- Arabia for the successful 2022 Hajj exercise and commended the authorities for the facilities put in place which prevented the spread of COVID-19 infections.

Alhaji Hassan lauded the Saudi- Arabia authorities for the facilities upgrade at various sites used for the Hajj exercise stressing that the services were commendable. “.

Ridwan Fasasi

 

Lifestyle

Hajj 2022: First Flight of FCT Pilgrims Lands in Abuja

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The first batch of pilgrims to return from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria has landed safely at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,  Abuja. 

The 423 pilgrims who were  from Federal Capital Territory  left Jeddah Airport this morning aboard

FLYNAS flight XY7002 and landed in Abuja around noon.

Another FlyNas flight is expected to leave for Nigeria later today with second set of passengers of the FCT.

Chairman National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,  NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah  Hassan had earlier said the pilgrims’ departure from the holy land would be in line with their arrival into Saudi- Arabia. 

Alhaji Hassan who asked for the cooperation of other stakeholders gave an assurance that the airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria would have been completed before August 13 deadline given by Saudi Arabia. 

In a statement in Makkah by NAHCON’s Assistant Director,  Public Affairs, Alhaja Fatima Sanda- Usara, the inaugural flight from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia was conducted by Max Air on the 9th  of last month ( June ) with pilgrims from Borno State. 

The statement,  however, notes that due to home advantage,  Saudi- Arabia FlyNas secured slots earlier than Max Air that is billed to commence its homeward journey from tomorrow, Saturday, 16th July with pilgrims from Maiduguri Borno state.

Our Correspondent,  Ridwan Fasasi reports that the  3rd approved airline, Azman will not begin its return journey until next week Wednesday due to the delay it experienced during the outbound journey to Saudi Arabia for this year’s pilgrimage. 

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

3 Nigerian Pilgrims Die in Saudi- Arabia

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National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has recorded 3 deaths out of 41,191 Nigerian pilgrims that participated in this year’s Hajj in Saudi- Arabia. 

NAHCON’s Head of Medical team, Dr Usman Galadima stated this in Makkah while presenting the report of the medical committee during the Post- Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting.

He said the affected ones were 2 females of 37 and 62 years from Kaduna and  Nasarawa  States while the remaining one was a 58- year old male pilgrim from Borno State. 

Dr Galadima noted that while the pilgrim from Borno State died in Muna, the one from Kaduna died at Arafah and the last pilgrim from Nasarawa State passed away in Makkah. 

He explained that they have all been buried according to Islamic rites in Saudi- Arabia while the families of the deceased had been notified of the incidents. 

The head of the medical team who did not disclose the cause of the deaths said 12, 152 patients were attended to at NAHCON’s clinics in 6 different centres. 

Chairman,  NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah  Hassan while briefing stakeholders on this year’s Hajj exercise said the airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria would begin on Friday,  15th July and would be on first-in, first-out basis. 

Alhaji Hassan who asked for the cooperation of other stakeholders gave an assurance that the airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria would have been completed before August 13 deadline given by Saudi Arabia. 

He noted that over 7,000 pilgrims that were yet to visit Medina would do so before returning to Nigeria. 

The Chairman,  Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs,  Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa reported that the Saudi- Arabia authorities had agreed that as from next year, Nigerian cooks would be mobilized earlier before the Hajj exercise to train Saudi cooks on how to prepare Nigerian local foods.

The Chairman,  House Committee on Pilgrims Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Nalaraba who congratulated  NAHCON for a successful exercise said some countries could not make this year’s Hajj.

In a welcome address, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi- Arabia,  Alhaji Yahya Lawal said all stakeholders involved in Hajj operations had learnt lessons from this year’s exercise and would work on such to make 2023 Hajj a better one.

 Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Airlift of Nigerian Pilgrims from Saudi Arabia Commences Friday

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The airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to the country will commence tomorrow, Friday 15th July.

Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Zikirullah Hassan who stated this in Makkah during the Post- Arafat Stakeholders’meeting said the airlifting of pilgrims would be on first in, first out policy.

Alhaji Hassan who asked for the cooperation of other stakeholders gave an assurance that the airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria would have been completed before August 13 deadline given by Saudi Arabia. 

He noted that over 7,000 pilgrims that were yet to visit Medina would do so before returning to Nigeria. 

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa reported that the Saudi-Arabia authorities had agreed that as from next year, Nigerian cooks would be mobilized earlier before the Hajj exercise to train Saudi cooks on how to prepare Nigerian local foods.

The Chairman, House Committee on Pilgrims Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Nalaraba who congratulated NAHCON for a successful exercise said some countries could not make this year’s Hajj.

In a welcome address, Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi- Arabia, Alhaji Yahya Lawal said all stakeholders involved in Hajj operations had learnt lessons from this year’s exercise and would work on such to make 2023 Hajj a better one.

During the presentations of committee reports, Head of Medical team, Dr Usman Galadima said 12, 152 patients were attended to while 3 pilgrims died during the exercise and they were from Nasarawa, Kaduna and Borno States.

 Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

2022 Hajj: NAHCON Takes Steps to Address Challenges Facing Pilgrims

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National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has taken steps to address some of the complaints of pilgrims in the ongoing Hajj exercise in Saudi- Arabia. 

.The NAHCON Chairman,  Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan stated this in the holy land while addressing the pilgrims at their different States’ camps.

He said a petition had been forwarded to Saudi- Arabia authorities for a refund of money over the poor and strange meals served to the pilgrims stressing that the commission was not responsible for the provision of food in Muna. 

” Nigerians are Nigerians everywhere they are. It doesn’t matter the sophistication of the environment,  they always preferred their local foods. But, we are not in control in Muna this year, it’s strictly the responsibilities of the host and the authorities have passed the information to Saudi that what our people want is Nigerian food and nothing more”.

Alhaji Hassan attributed the delayed flights and how efforts to bring other Nigerians to the holy were unsuccessful to the emergency nature of this year’s Hajj as the Commission had only 3 months to prepare. 

‘In the case of those who didn’t come,  we tried all we could. We actually had an understanding of a rescue but immediately the gate was formally closed by Saudi authorities,  the flight’s operators said there was nothing they could do. We will definitely give them top priority next year Inshallah”

” You should remember that I said it during the pre-Hajj preparations that this year’s exercise is emergency Hajj, therefore,  the pilgrims should bear with us as we are working hard to address noticeable lapses.”

What dominated the pilgrims’ complaints at all the camps visited was poor feeding services and the absence  of local meals at their tents in Muna 

The Ambassador of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi- Arabia, Yahya Lawal who was part of the delegation of the Senate Committee on Foreign  Affairs that also visited the pilgrims said he was optimistic that all the complaints against the Saudi authorities regarding the Hajj operation would be positively addressed.

” Certainly these complaints are going to be taken up at the highest possible levels and I’m convinced something will be done and they would find remedies to such in future”.

The Chairman,  Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, said as part of oversight functions to NAHCON, he was on the ground to get the experiences of the pilgrims with a view to better such in future hajj operations.

“We want to see and  hear from you whatever we can do to make next year’s Hajj better.”

Senator Bulkachuwa said the reduction in Hajj quota to Nigeria was due to the COVID-19 pandemic adding that with time, the issue would be addressed which would be in favour of the country. 

” Nigeria used to come first or second or third in the number of pilgrims to Saudi- Arabia many years back. But now that we have some reliefs from COVID-19,  Saudi authorities will listen to us”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

1,150 Nigerians Miss 2022 Hajj

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One thousand, one hundred and fifty [1,150], intending pilgrims from Nigeria have missed this year’s Hajj exercise.

The breakdown of the affected intending pilgrims shows that the private tour operators sector has the highest with 740 followed by Kano State with 700.

Others are Plateau State with 91 intending pilgrims while Bauchi State has nine [9].

This is contained in a statement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Alhaja Fatima Sanda-Usara.

NAHCON regretted all inconveniences caused by the development to the intending pilgrims and other stakeholders and attributed the cause to the last-minute disappointment regarding flight arrangements pointing out that the Commission is ready to refund the intending pilgrims. 

“Sadly, despite all efforts to airlift all Nigerian intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2022 Hajj, NAHCON was incapacitated in discharging this responsibility fully, majorly due to last-minute setbacks that frustrated its plan to conclude airlift of pilgrims by 27th June of this year. Unfortunately, the chartered flight option that gave so much hope to NAHCON and the Private Tour Operators’ leadership also became a failure as their IBAN accounts failed accreditation by the respective authorities in Saudi Arabia”.

“The Commission gives assurance that all affected pilgrims will be refunded their Hajj fares while it will work towards improving its deficiencies next time. NAHCON has learnt a lot of lessons and is determined not to have a repetition of the unfortunate situation”. 

NAHCON also acknowledged the disappointment and hardships experienced by pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia during their airlift operations to the holy land. 

“NAHCON humbly acknowledges the following: that it owes deep and unreserved regrets to entire intending pilgrims to 2022 Hajj for the hardships and disappointments experienced during outbound airlift operations to the holy land. The Commission offers similar apologies to the federal government of Nigeria, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Private Tour Operators, and the general public for any embarrassment the situation of the past few weeks might have caused”.

PR/Ridwan Fasasi 

Religion

Saudi Arabia Extends Border Closure

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A sense of relief may have come to the way of about 3000 Nigerian pilgrims who are yet to be airlifted to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj as the General Authority on Civil Aviation (GA CA has extended the deadline for the closure of Airspace till Thursday, 7th July. 

The relief came after a high-level discussion between Nigerian delegates led by the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Barrister Zikrullah Hassan and Saudi Arabia Hajj authority. 

With this new development the two airlines, Max Air and Azman airline would continue their airlifting operation from where they left off.

Meanwhile, the Commission has concluded arrangements with Flynas to operate three (3)rescue flights for pilgrims in Kano and Abuja.

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

Hajj: Saudi Authority Extends Airlift Window

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The Saudi General Authority for Civil Aviation has extended the deadline for airlifting Nigerians to this year’s hajj to July 6.

Concerns have been raised regarding the commission’s ability to convey all pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The extension was necessitated by flight cancellations and delays caused by inability to secure Basic Travel Allowances (BTAs), insufficient funds for visas, and unavailability of PCR test results, according to a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, on Monday.

Hajiya Fatima said just 13 of the 65 flights from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia had departed on time.

She urged would-be pilgrims to keep calm, as they would all be airlifted before the new deadline expires.

 Frcn Abuja / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Religion

Governments Have No Business In Hajj Sponsorship- NAHCON

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Federal, State and Local Governments have no business in sponsoring Muslims to hajj as the religious rite is for those that can afford it.

Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Barrister Zikrullah Hassan stated this in Ibadan during a special reception prayer organised in his honour by Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN.

He said  governments do not need to sponsor anyone to hajj but should rather use the resources to empower the people and improve the infrastructure.

“Let us free government from financial involvement in hajj, government can provide logistics for hajj operation but not sponsoring people to hajj”

The NAHCON Chairman said the commission was working towards self- sustaining without relying on government allocation as the support of the federal government at present was less than twenty percent. 

“With time, funding of hajj will be removed from government and will be strictly through internally generated revenue of NAHCON”.

He said the frequent increase in hajj fare would make it difficult for people to go to hajj and as well result to inability of the commission to exhaust the quota allocated to Nigeria by Saudi Authority stressing that the hajj saving scheme would ease contribution towards participating in the religious rite.

“The concept of hajj saving scheme is whereby the poor can save bit by bits between two and five years, until they are able to get to the amount required for hajj.

“The money is turned into investment through our partnership with Jaiz Bank and they are entitled to increase in their holdings in the bank through their profit,’ Hassan said.

Barrister Hassan said the introduction of Hajj training Institute and digitization of hajj operation by the commission were aimed at making  hajj operation hitch-free, less stressful and a quality exercise.

Earlier, MUSWEN’s President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, called on Muslims in the region and Nigeria in general to support the Chairman of NAHCON and not distract him with selfish demands.

“His assignment in NAHCON is national, Islamic and corporate,We should not frivolously distract his attention with selfish demands”.

He said the NAHCON Chairman’s  position being occupied by Barrister Hassan, who was one of them from the region, was a matter of corporate mercy from Allah which must not be turned into individual benefits.

“Our brother Zikrullah Hassan needs our full cooperation in terms of well wish and sincere prayer’.

“Any success or failure in that office, during his tenure, is a major scale by which MUSWEN will be weighed in posterity”.

A Special prayer for the Chairman was led by the Chief Imam of University of Ibadan, Professor AbdulRahman Oloyede .

Ridwan Fasasi

Religion

NOA, NAHCON Strengthen Collaboration for Safe Covid Period Hajj

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Press Release

The National Orientation Agency NOA and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have agreed to strengthen their long existing collaboration toward safe and hitch free Hajj operations in the year 2021.

The Director General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari made this known when receiving NAHCON officials led by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan on a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Abari said that the NOA and NAHCON were optimistic that Hajj, a major pillar of Islam, would hold in 2021, unlike the year 2020 when it couldn’t hold due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that all must be done to prevent the spread of the virus through strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols at all stages of the hajj process.

He said the NOA/NAHCON collaboration, to which NOA remains committed, is very critical to the success of Hajj operations because it sensitizes potential pilgrims in their own dialects about what to expect and how to behave during the pilgrimage. According to him, NOA State and Local Government officials serve as credible channels of information for potential pilgrims at the community level where they speak the local dialects to create the necessary sensitization for a hitch free pilgrimage.

Describing the Hajj sensitization program of the Agency, the DG NOA said it includes interactions with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), women organizations, youth organizations and community leaders as well as the provision of information materials for easy mobilization and pre-Hajj orientation.

Earlier, the Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan said the Commission was in NOA to leverage the Agency’s robust platforms to orient and sensitize the Muslim Ummah in all nooks and crannies of the country. Against the backdrop of pervasive and persistent disbelief in the existence of COVID-19 among the populace, the NAHCON Chairman said the 2021 Hajj sensitization would include persuasion of pilgrims on the reality of COVID-19, the need for precautions and testing and the need to avail themselves for vaccination when the vaccines become available in the country.

Hassan was hopeful that the COVID-19 Vaccine will be available soon and in good time for the vaccination of the 2021 Hajj hopefuls. He thanked the NOA for its continued support for Hajj operations and called on the Agency to intensify its sensitization in the areas of COVID-19 testing and vaccination.

Paul Odenyi
Assistant Director, Press
WEBSITE: noa.gov.ng TWITTER: @NOA_Nigeria FACEBOOK: National Orientation Agency, Nigeria INSTAGRAM: @noa_nigeria

Religion

Coronavirus: NAHCON Announces Refund of Umrah Visa Fees

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Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently released a circular informing the general public of its resolve to refund Umrah visa fees and other service charges.

This is sequel to suspension of lesser Hajj activities by the Kingdom’s authorities as a measure towards halting the spread of COVID-19 infection.

The circular indicated that an electronic method for refunding Umrah visa applicants through their local agents has been prepared for processing of the payments.

Therefore it urges those with legitimate claims to contact their travel agents for retrieval of their dues.

In view of the above, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON urges those who have paid for the Umrah through Licensed Tour Operators to keep in touch with their operators for collection of their monies when released by the Kingdom.

The Commission further urges those who subsequently encounter problems collecting their refunds to lodge complaints with the Commission through post to NAHCON’s Commissioner Operations through Head, Inspectorate and Compliance, Zakariya Maimalari Street, Hajj House, Abuja or by physical appearance at the Hajj House, NAHCON headquarters.

All claims must be accompanied with valid documents and evidence of transaction with the registered operator. 

It would be recalled that the Commission has always cautioned Umrah hopefuls to transact directly with only tour operators dully registered with the Commission in case of breach of contract or similar situations that may warrant recovery of funds.

Similarly, the Commission encourages intending pilgrims whether for Umrah or Hajj under private arrangements to sign agreements on the types of package they are paying for.

This package should indicate the category of services being paid for and other terms and conditions of engagement.  

NAHCON is a regulator committed to protecting the rights of its stakeholders, whether the customer or the service providers/operators. 

For enquiries, please contact the phone lines given below:

Inspectorate and Compliance, NAHCON: 08033826429

Visa and Consular Section, NAHCON: 07033701605

Fatima Sanda Usara,

Head, Public Affairs,

NAHCON For Chairman/CEO

Religion

Pilgrims: NAHCON Commends Saudi Authorities

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The Saudi authorities have been commended over their special consideration and concessions to ease this year’s Hajj exercise for Nigerian Pilgrims.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad made the commendation in his opening remarks at the Pre-Arafat stakeholders meeting in Makkah.

He outlined some of the considerations and concessions to include the facilities provided for the pilgrims in Muna, Arafat and Muzdalifah, and the latitude for continued payment of this year’s Hajj fares up to some few days to the commencement of the exercise.

Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar, also thanked the Nigerian Embassy, and the consulate for their untiring cooperation and support towards a successful Hajj exercise.

The chairman called on all stakeholders for more support and cooperation to ensure that this year’s exercise was diligently executed to the satisfaction of all.

He advised the Ulamaa to guard against scholarly arguments that may be confusing to the ordinary pilgrim who requires to be educated only on the basics of the Hajj rites.

Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar also called on private Tour Operators to live up to expectation in diligently giving their pilgrims value for their money, warning that any dereliction of responsibility would be met with the full wrath of the stipulated sanctions.

Nafiu Busari