By GARBA MUHAMMAD in Makkah

The Amir Hajj of Kaduna State delegation, Engr Suleiman Umar, says the transparency exhibited by the Committee overseeing the affairs of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, in negotiation of decent accommodation for its pilgrims, led to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) adopting the template for other states.

The Amirul Hajj who triples as the Emir of Lere and leader of this years’ Kaduna State delegation has disclosed at a press briefing in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said the committee came to Saudi Arabia and negotiated decent accommodation in Makkah for Kaduna State pilgrims and at a reasonable price.

According to him, the price negotiation was so transparently done that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) even adopted the Kaduna State template for other states.

The Amirul Hajj further said that the success story of the 2024 Hajj began with the airlift of pilgrims at the Mando Hajj Camp, adding that “intending pilgrims didn’t waste time waiting for their flights and they were fed throughout their stay, unlike in the past.”

The leader of the delegation also commended the intending pilgrims for being patient with the officials and following laid down instructions at both the Hajj Camp and at the airport.

Engr Umar also praised the Hadaya Committee which negotiated a downward review of the rams that were sacrificed in Makkah, from $150 to $100, leading to the refund of $50 to pilgrims who paid for the Hadaya through the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.

Describing their efforts as unprecedented, the Emir of Lere pointed out that the Hadaya Committee members also ensured that the correct number of rams were slaughtered.

The Emir disclosed that the outbound airlift to Nigeria will soon commence and pilgrims will be conveyed on ‘’first to come, first to leave’’ basis, adding that the first batch of pilgrims that arrived Saudi Arabia will be the first to be airlifted back home.

The Amirul Hajj counselled the pilgrims to exhibit the same orderly conduct that they demonstrated throughout their stay in the Holy Land, as the airlift back to Nigeria begins.

He also pointed out that early preparations played a big role in the entire exercise, adding that the committee commenced plans for this year’s Hajj about ten months ago.

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