By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allayed fears of intending pilgrims affected by the delayed travel Visa processing to perform this year's Hajj exercise.

NAHCON was reacting to a publication of LEADERSHIP newspaper of yesterday, Friday, June 9, to the effect that over 45, 000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year's Hajj, purportedly as a result of non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A statement on Friday 9th June, 2023 by Mousa Ubandawaki, NAHCON Deputy Director, Information and Publication, described the report as not only misleading but mischievous aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general.

The statement, while admitting that “truly, there was a technical problem relating to the visa processing, but it has been resolved at the moment, visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues.

“Thus far, over 35, 000 Nigerian pilgrims are in the Holy Land, while the remaining pilgrims are expected to be airlifted in the next 10 days.”

NAHCON went further to note that out of 75,000 slots, more than 58,000 visas have been processed so far for Nigerian pilgrims.

“Of these, 20,000 visas were issued between yesterday and today while the remainder will be processed by tomorrow. Despite the hiccup, the Commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before the 20th of this month.

“As a matter of fact, all the states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement.”

While reiterating its commitment to airlifting every eligible Nigerian pilgrim to the Holy land, NAHCON also called on the public and the pilgrims to disregard the news report which, according to the statement, “is meant to cause disaffection, panic and anxiety among Nigerians.

“In conclusion we want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they should also be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless pilgrims.”

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