•Advises them to visit Saudi hospitals

By GARBA MUHAMMAD

Intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj have been cautioned to refrain from travelling with illicit drugs, kola nuts, cigarettes etc., into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Chairman/CEO National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Malam Jalal Ahmed Arabi, gave the warning via a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs Fatima Sanda Usara, Thursday, May 30, 2024.

The pilgrims were reminded that as a nation deeply rooted in religious and cultural heritage, Saudi Arabia holds strict laws against drug trafficking, penalty for which is death.

He also advised State Pilgrims Boards to collaborate fully with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other related agencies in ensuring that persons planning to smuggle items prohibited in Saudi Arabia are apprehended to avoid embarrassment to the country and unnecessary delays during screening in both countries.

The chairman also reminded the pilgrims to stick to the purpose of their trip to Saudi Arabia for worship, and should not be distracted by acts that would violate sanctity of their Hajj.

According to him, hajj period is a time for spiritual reflection and prayers that should be approached with reverence and respect for the laws and customs of the host country.

The chairman also warned intending pilgrims to beware of being used as conduit for any illicit trade without their knowledge.

The pilgrims are advised to be extra vigilant over their bags at the airports to avoid implantation of prohibited items to their luggage unawares.

The chairman urged pilgrims to uphold their honour and dignity and that of the country, as any individual caught smuggling prohibited items not only brings shame upon themselves but also tarnishes the reputation of their nation.

In another development, NAHCON has advised Nigerian pilgrims already in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in need of medical attention to visit any Saudi general or specialist hospitals.

The head of medical committee of the Commission, Dr Abubakar Ismail, gave the advice on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, in Makkah.

According to the committee, it is because the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health is yet to grant all countries participating in this year’s Hajj permission to start running their own clinics in Makkah.

“The Medical Committee under the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to advise pilgrims who have arrived in Makkah to seek medical assistance from any of the Saudi Arabian general or specialist hospitals nearest to them”, Head of NAHCON National Medical Team state.

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