By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Monday, in Abuja, dispatched its first advance team to Saudi Arabia, preparatory to the 2022 Hajj.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made this known in a statement by the Head, Public Affairs Division of the commission, Mrs Fatima Usara.

He said the departure of the advance team signaled the commencement of the 2022 hajj operation, adding the take-off of intending Nigerian pilgrims would soon commence.

Hassan, at a brief ceremony held at the International Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, enjoined members of the advance team to set the pace for a successful exercise.

He reminded staff of the commission that this is the time to put into practice all the trainings they received on the best ways of handling pilgrims’ affairs.

He said their major responsibility is to go over all the agreements signed with service providers to ensure that the details are fully implemented.

He ordered them to station themselves on ground for a hitch-free arrival of pilgrims and to treat them with utmost respect as guests of the Almighty.

Hassan instructed heads of the different committees to pay familiarization visits to the office of the Adillah Company in Madinah and introduce themselves as NAHCON’s representatives.

“This is to enable the Adillah identify who to contact when necessary.”

Those on the advance team include medical personnel, house managers, feeding staff, Makkah and Madinah reception team members.

Hassan prayed for the safe journey of the advance team and the success of the 2022 Hajj exercise.

Meanwhile, all intending pilgrims who completed their Hajj 2022 payments, through the Hajj Savings Scheme, were advised to visit the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards which they selected at the time of enrollment for necessary preparations.

They are to carry along their international passports, COVID-19 vaccine certificates and yellow cards for those already inoculated.

Similarly, intending pilgrims are to note that the announced Hajj fare of maximum of N2, 496,815.29 is inclusive of their 800 dollars Basic Travel Allowance (BTA). (NAN)

•PHOTO CAPTION: Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan (first right), addressing members of the commission's first batch advance team to Saudi Arabia for this year's Hajj

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