The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has restated its commitment to deliver a hitch free Hajj 2024 even as it urged intending Pilgrims to pay up the Hajj fare to beat the Saudi deadline.
The Ag. Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, gave this assurance when he played host to the delegation of Arewa New Agenda (ANA) led by Senator Ahmed Abubakar Moh Allahyidi in Abuja.
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He said that the 2024 Hajj preparation is on course and that the Commission would not leave any stone unturned to change the narrative of Hajj Affairs and administration in the country.
According to him,” we will not pride ourselves of having the magic wand, but I’m sure with your support and the backing of the staff, I know it is doable. We will succeed.” I know it is a daunting challenge but it is not insurmountable “.
The Chairman however urged the visitors to help propagate and inform the public on the new Saudi rule which makes it mandatory for Hajj Missions to remit their money and the number of Pilgrims into the E-track portal at the earliest.”
We want you to help us tell the people and the world that unlike what obtains in the past, money must be paid before the 31st December to enable us procure and pay for Services and Visa in Saudi Arabia. Please encourage them to go and deposit as the host (Saudi Arabia) is very serious about their time line. Now 50 days before the Arafat, there will no longer be Visa issuance, therefore any state that did not turn in the payments and the number of Pilgrims who have paid by the 31st December will not be able to make it. We don’t want to be caught napping and so we will be very strict and resolute with the timeline,” he said.
The Chairman further urged states Pilgrims welfare boards to intensify awareness campaign to enlighten the Pilgrims on the new trend, saying strengthening of enlightenment campaign will go a long way to ginger and encourage intending Pilgrims to make their deposit on time and also contribute to the actualization of the dream of organizing a hitch-free Hajj.”
Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation and Convener of Arewa New Agenda (ANA) Sen. Ahmed Abubakar Moh Allahyidi said that the team’s visit was informed by the need to express their support for the Chairman in order to achieve success in his assignment. “ we are here to lend our support and solidarity to you. We know all eyes of Nigerians are on you and we also understand the challenges revolving around Hajj administration. Much as we know it is a litmus test, we have the confidence and trust in your ability to make the success of the job, just as you have done in your previous assignments.”
Giving a goodwill message, Dr Abdul Isiaq and Dr Salisu Mohammed commended the appointment of the Chairman and expressed confidence in his ability to achieve success. “We know you as a goal-getter and with your problem-solving attitude and the calibers of staff at your disposal, we have no doubt that you will succeed in the assignment thereby uplifting the image of Islam.”
