By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Union of Nigeria (HUTOUN) has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for the improved services provided during the 2024 Hajj exercise.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Union Suleiman Bemekun and it’s Secretary Alhaji Muhammed R A made available on Monday August 5th, 2024, in Abuja,

The union expressed delight with the manner NAHCON under the chairmanship of Jalal Arabi airlifted Nigerian 2024 contingents from Nigeria to Saudi- Arabia and also from the holy land to Nigeria after the Hajj Exercise without delay and postponement which Nigerian Hajji Pilgrims use to experience in the past.

HUTOUN is a union that aims at ensuring transparency, effective communication, and joint decision-making.

“The best services provided by NAHCON included hygienic food, gift items and tents in Mina and Arafat”, HUTOUN said.

But advised the commission to correct the issues of toilet shortage and their hygienic conditions at tent “A”.

HUTOUN also called on NAHCON to commence necessary arrangements ahead of 2025 Hajj operations, so that more improvement will be achieved.

“This year’s Hajj witnessed lots of improvement under the leadership of Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi.

“Thus, early issuance of Hajj visas, providing clarity on flight availability and preventing issues that surfaced of delayed visas in the 2022 & 2023 Hajj seasons.

“Successful crediting of IBAN accounts by NAHCON, along with timely remittance at prevailing exchange rates and the introduction of late payment windows for tour operators.

Improvements in tent “D” facilities, services, and feeding compared to the previous year, thereby showcasing better NAHCON supervision of pilgrim’s transportation from Makkah to Mina.

“Successful implementation of online registration for return trips, avoiding situations where pilgrims missed their flight due to delays in obtaining release letters for passport release from NAHCON.

However, despite the above, we are ready to partner with the Commission in engaging relevant Saudi Agencies who are directly involved in tackling the following: Inadequate number of toilets, leading to hygiene and sanitation concerns. Overcrowding of tenant “A” in Muna, creating difficulties in providing proper accommodation and services.

“Poor treatment of pilgrims at tenant ‘A’, necessitating a review of procedures and protocols to ensure the well-being of all individuals.

“We are available to collaborate with the Commission at all times in her onerous task of ensuring that improved efficient and effective services are being provided for Nigerian pilgrims to consolidate on the successes recorded in the just concluded hajji operations in the 2025 hajji exercises.

“It is pertinent to mention that Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi has started well as the Commission for the first in recent times concluded the airlift of a Nigerian contingent to Saudi Arabia to and fro ahead of the official deadline.

There was no request for an extension We pray and look forward to more improved hajj services in the subsequent years”, HUTOUN added.

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