By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU) have scheduled a Zoom meeting on December 21, 2022 in preparation for 2023 Hajj.

This was disclosed in a letter officially received by NAHCON through Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which requested the meeting to commence by 10:30 a.m. Saudi Arabian time, 8:30 a.m. local time.

Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON, while confirming the Commission’s receipt of the letter on Sunday, said the meeting is aimed at laying the foundation for signing of 2023 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.

She said: “Some issues to be presented in the zoom meeting include determining the cost of Hajj 2023 services, specifically the cost of ‘Masha’ir’ package.

“It would be recalled that in the previous Hajj, cost of the ‘Masha’ir’ services was higher than expected while information concerning the amount was received belatedly.”

Other items on the agenda of the meeting according to her, will include a request by NAHCON for the MOHU to intervene with the Mutawif Company for African Non-Arab Countries to release pending refunds of some services paid for, but not rendered or poorly rendered during the 2022 Hajj exercise.

“NAHCON also plans to reiterate its desire for quality of ‘Masha’ir’ facilities in 2023 Hajj to correspond with value of the amount that would be charged.

“Also on the front burner is a request for updates on Makkah Route initiative project as well as the Commission’s plan on transportation services in the kingdom during the Hajj,” she said.

On the refund to Pilgrims who were unable to perform the 2022 Hajj, the Assistant Director said: “NAHCON’s Finance and Accounts Division has advised State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions yet to apply for their pilgrims refund to do so.

“The call was necessitated by the Commission’s resolve to settle all 2022 Hajj pending issues to avoid interference while preparing for the forthcoming Hajj season.”

On the newly established Hajj Institute of Nigeria Fatima disclosed that principal officers of the Hajj Institute will by Monday, 5th December assume office in preparation for commencement of academic programs.

She said Professor Muhammad Nasiru Maiturare, has been appointed Interim Rector of the Hajj Institute.

“Professor Maiturare is expected in office by Monday, next week. Registrar of the Institute, Ibrahim Abubakar Jalingo, has already assumed duty today, 2nd December 2022 and paid a courtesy call to NAHCON leadership with regards to the development,” she added.

Professor Maiturare was the former Vice Chancellor IBB University Lapai, and lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

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