. . . As VP inaugurates 2024 Hajj airlift in Kebbi with 430 pilgrims

By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Chairman/CEO of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Mallam Jalal Ahmed Arabi says for record first time , the commissions team of e-tract computer savvies concluded Hajj registration and visa issuance prior to commencement of airlift.

He disclosed this in his speech at the official inauguration of the 2024 Hajj airlift with 430 pilgrims performed by Nigeria’s Vice-President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Kebbi State.

The Chairman noted that to any one privy of Hajj arrangement, this is not a small accomplishment. “It means we know exactly how many pilgrims we are working for and will make enough provisions for that number.”

A total of 65,500 pilgrims registered across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions as well as the Tour Operators are expected to perform this year’s Hajj.

He said the major challenge subdued by his management while preparing for this year’s pilgrimage is in trying to reduce the 2024 Hajj fare.

He explained that although the feat was achieved when calculated in U.S.Dollars, that may not be noticeable when converted to naira.

According to the chairman, NAHCON management after consultation with members of the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards introduced certain measures to reduce the high Hajj expenses.

“We reduced the length of stay in Madinah from eight days to four days and charged a fee commensurate to the four days, thereby cutting down the Madinah accommodation fees significantly after bargaining for the same luxurious hotels at a lower cost.

“We reduced the PTA from $800 to $500 after taking into consideration that any pilgrim in need of more Dollars can source them on their own.

“We believe we have made enough accommodation and feeding arrangement that would not warrant the pilgrims spending extra on these amenities, thus $500 would suffice in this global cash crunch times.

“Similarly, we succeeded in moving pilgrims from the far end of Tent ‘D’ in Muna to a higher up area adjacent to Camp ‘D’ that is closer to the Jamarat.

“Under the supervision of well-motivated and dedicated staff; staff that are eager to discharge their individual responsibilities, we have no doubt that our pilgrims will have reason to observe their worship in serenity and contentment”, he stated.

Arabi assured that all the essential services provided for the pilgrims are of high standard.

Already, Flynas, a Saudi Arabian designated airline, one of the three air carriers commissioned to conduct the 2024 Hajj airlift, was on ground to transport pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj.

Three flights are scheduled to depart Nigeria for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.Air Peace is scheduled to depart Abuja with 310 FCT pilgrims and five officials.

Among those in attendance at he inaugural airlift in Kebbi State, are Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi state, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III and Chairman (NAHCON).

Others are Sen. Ali Ndume, former Gov. Sa’idu Dakingari of Kebbi, who is the Amirul Hajji of the state, Sen. Abubakar Sani, Sen. Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Minister of State Education, Alhaji Yusuf Sununu.

•VP Kashim Shettima, NAHCON Chairman/CEO Mallam Jalal Ahmed Arabi and the Kebbi State Governor Dr Nasiru Idris biding farewell to Pilgrims on board the inaugural airlift from Birnin Kebbi to Saudi Arabia.

Update news