By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has signed agreement on services with Mutawwif Company of African Non Arabs, otherwise known as Muassassah, for the 2023 Hajj exercise.

A statement signed by Mousa Ubandawaki, Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division, said the pacts were signed by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, and Chairman of Mutawwif Company.

The agreement is part of the preparation for this year’s Hajj due in late June and a follow up to the earlier meeting held between the two teams on Thursday at Super Dome Centre, Jeddah, on the side line of the Hajj and Umrah Expo 2023.

The pact focused on the roles expected of the two parties during the Hajj. It also covers the services to be provided to the pilgrims in the areas of enlightenment, guidance, movements/transportation, especially during the Mashair.

One of the major highlight of the meeting was the commitment made by the Muassassah to upgrade the feeding and Catering Services at the Mashair and with the grant of five percent discount on payment this year, meaning, Nigeria will pay less of what was charged last year

In his speech, the NAHCON Chairman recalled the ugly experience Nigerian Pilgrims experienced in last year’s Hajj at the Mashair which he would not want repeated.

He said: “Now that this year’s Hajj has begun, we want to know what services to expect at the Mashair to know what to tell our pilgrims at home.

“We are asking for better services this year and we want it at reduced price, though we acknowledged the amount of investment made to upgrade the facilities at the Mashair which are long term.”

In his presentation, the Chairman of Mutawwif Company, Ahmad Sindy, explained that the unfortunate incidence of last year won’t be repeated as they are more committed to the welfare and well-being of pilgrims through improved facilities and eco -friendly settings that would make pilgrims have good feelings.

“We will also upgrade the quality of food in terms of calories and weight. In addition, we have contracted a well known nutritionist to ensure that the service delivery is best,” he said.

The National delegation to the event include the Commissioner for Policy, Personnel, Management and Finance (PPMF), Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakassai, Commissioner for Operations, Licensing and Inspectorate, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa, and the Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS).

Others are Shaikh Suleman Momoh and some Board members of the Commission, representatives of the Forum of State Chairmen/Secretaries of the 36 State pilgrims welfare boards, Agencies/ Commissions, the Executive members of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) and some management staff of the Commission.

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