- NAHCON plans to reduce the days Nigerian pilgrims spend in Saudi Arabia, improving efficiency and addressing previous disorganization
- Arabi assures comprehensive arrangements for pilgrims’ feeding and medical care, emphasizing accountability for service providers’ shortcomings
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced plans to reduce the days Nigerian pilgrims spend in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage. This new strategy was revealed by NAHCON’s Executive Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, on Monday, shortly after arriving at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
Arabi highlighted that the commission transported 100% of Nigerian pilgrims to Madinah. He attributed this achievement to divine assistance and expressed optimism that this would help reduce the time Nigerians spend in Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
“In the past, Nigerian pilgrims often faced disorganization and delays while their counterparts from other countries were already evacuated back home,” Arabi noted. “This year, we aim to change that narrative and achieve more efficient operations.”
He expressed gratitude to the presidency and the National Assembly for their significant support in ensuring the success of the ongoing Hajj operations. Arabi emphasized that this milestone is noteworthy, stating, “This day will be remembered as a significant achievement in our Hajj preparations, as we have managed to transport all our pilgrims 72 hours before the closure of Saudi airspace.”
Arabi also assured that NAHCON had made comprehensive arrangements for pilgrims’ feeding and medical care during the Masha’eer (core Hajj rites period), starting on June 13. He highlighted implementing the Tafweej principle, which involves grouping pilgrims for easier movement and identification.
He further mentioned an innovation in monitoring and food distribution, stressing its importance. “This innovation is critical and fundamental to our operations. A few team members and I will head to Makkah to assess the situation and address any issues based on the reports we’ve received.”
Additionally, Arabi stated that NAHCON plans to hold service providers accountable for any lapses. “Tonight, we will summon all service providers who have been indicted for any shortcomings and address these issues with them,” he concluded.