Nigeria hails Saudi Arabia on 2023 MoU, Hajj preparations

More than two million pilgrims from all over the world will be in Saudi Arabia in June 2023 for the pilgrimage. 95,000 slots have been approved for Nigeria.

In a statement personally signed by the Chairman, and released to the media, the Nigeria Hajj Commission said it enjoyed the mutual working relationship between the two countries, adding that their approval is a fundamental prelude to success of the season’s pilgrimage.

He said the Muslim world no doubt appreciates the Kingdom for the huge sacrifices it offers in making pilgrims comfortable during Hajj and Umrah, in terms of resources and manpower.

“On behalf of the Nigerian delegation to the recently concluded Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the 2023 Hajj, I have the privilege of appreciating authorities of the Kingdom for the cooperation enjoyed by the Nigerian team.

“Particularly, I commend His Majesty and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; and the Crown Prince that doubles as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Bin Salman Al Saud, for facilitating early preparations for the 2023 year’s Hajj. Their approval is a fundamental prelude to success of the season’s pilgrimage. The Muslim world no doubt appreciates the Kingdom for the huge sacrifices it offers in making pilgrims comfortable during Hajj and Umrah, in terms of resources and manpower.

“Truly, Nigeria had over the years enjoyed a mutual working relationship and support from the KSA, we in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) bear witness to this with the exemplary cordial reception accorded to the Nigerian team by the stakeholders of the Hajj and Umrah industry in the kingdom. Their commitment and understanding accelerated signing of favorable deals on behalf of the Nigerian pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj.

“I here register my appreciation to the Company for the Mutawwifs of Non-Arab African Countries, otherwise known as Mu’assasa for earlier releasing refunds for services not rendered to the Nigerian pilgrims for the 2022 Hajj. We see the Mu’assasa as partners with integrity whose words are their honour. Hence, the Mu’assasa under the leadership of Mr. Ahmad Sindy, is perfecting arrangement for the comfort and welfare of Nigeria’s contingent to the 2023 Hajj. NAHCON had never been in doubt of the establishment’s support.

“The same cooperation was accorded to the delegation during its visit to General Authority for Civil Aviation, GACA, received by its General Manager on Hajj Operations, Engr Nazim Pazhair. The support was witnessed at the Adillah Establishment in Madinah; at the Car Syndicate; at the Islamic Development Bank, as well as at the United Agents authorities.

“I recognize the contributions made by Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubair Dada, Senate Chairman for Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa and his counterpart from the House Committee on Pilgrimage, Hon. Hassan Nalaraba towards the success of the forthcoming season, NAHCON stands by its commitment to ensure the realization of a smooth 2023 Hajj.

“Similarly, we at the Commission accept the assurances and pledges for cooperation made by the representatives of States Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, and those of Private Tour Operators’ Companies towards organizing a smooth Hajj for Nigerian intending Pilgrims’. We have collectively reached certain milestones towards this achievement, the time to galvanize other plans for the success of 2023 Hajj is now. Indeed, we must remain unrelenting until we deliver a hitch free Hajj as planned.