By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to lead Nigeria?s contingent to this year?s Hajj in Saudi Arabia, combining his religious obligation with an oversight role to personally assess the country?s pilgrimage operations.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman Pakistan, revealed this development on Freedom Radio Kaduna?s Hausa program, ?Barka Da Warhaka?. He stated that the Vice President?s presence would allow for firsthand evaluation of the Hajj process, reducing reliance on secondhand reports that have often contributed to misrepresentation and misinformation.

Efforts to Reduce Hajj Costs and Improve Services

Professor Pakistan also highlighted ongoing preparations, confirming that provisions had already been made for over 70,000 Nigerian pilgrims from the 95,000 quota approved by Saudi authorities. He expressed optimism that measures taken so far had helped curb the annual surge in Hajj costs, with further reductions expected from government-imposed charges and taxes.

Despite the official deadline for Hajj fare payments having elapsed, NAHCON is still accepting payments up to a specific undisclosed date before closing transactions completely.

New Saudi Health Regulations and Nigeria?s Response

A significant development for this year?s Hajj is the introduction of dual health service categories by Saudi authorities. The first category provides comprehensive healthcare, where Saudi health officials fully handle medical supervision, diagnosis, and treatment of pilgrims. The second category limits Saudi health officials to a supervisory role, ensuring compliance with health regulations.

Due to financial considerations, Nigeria has opted for the second category, meaning Nigerian pilgrims will continue receiving primary healthcare through local arrangements while adhering to Saudi health laws. Professor Pakistan urged state pilgrims? welfare boards to ensure that only healthy individuals embark on the pilgrimage to prevent fatalities.

Hajj Savings Scheme and Future Improvements

The NAHCON Chairman expressed confidence in the Hajj Savings Scheme, managed by state pilgrims? agencies under NAHCON?s supervision. He stated that if properly implemented, the scheme would simplify Hajj operations in Nigeria and eventually elevate the country?s pilgrimage management to the standards of Indonesia and Malaysia.

While welcoming constructive criticism, Professor Pakistan cautioned against misinformation and baseless allegations that could undermine the commission?s efforts. He reaffirmed NAHCON?s commitment to improving service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims and the broader Muslim community.

As preparations continue, Vice President Shettima?s direct involvement in this year?s Hajj is expected to bring greater oversight and accountability to Nigeria?s pilgrimage operations.

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