The Federal Government has warned intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia not to take along with them drugs or kolanuts.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on media, Abdulrahman Balogun, observed that despite repeated warnings and workshops for intending pilgrims, it is disheartening that some Nigerians still ran foul of Saudi Arabia authorities’ law.

She recalled that some Nigerians caught with hard drugs in the last few years are still currently on death row in Saudi Arabia, pleading with pilgrims to shun the shameful act.

Dabiri-Erewa also reminded the pilgrims that kola nuts and prescription painkillers in large quantities have been banned in Saudi Arabia, and if found, attracts severe penalties according to new Saudi Arabia regulations.

She said the Federal government through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and various state boards have made adequate arrangements to attend to the medical needs of the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Similarly, she said the Saudi authorities have free medical centres in all the nooks and crannies of the Kingdom equipped with all drugs for their medical needs.

She urged the security agencies and other para-military stationed at the various departure centres in Nigeria to screen the pilgrims before their departure to Saudi Arabia.

Dabiri-Erewa advised Nigerian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country by portraying Nigeria in good image and pray for peace, unity and progress of the country in the Holy land.

Since the beginning of transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in Aug. 15, more than five Nigerians have been arrested for alleged possession of substance suspected to be hard drugs as well as kola nuts.

It will be recalled that the Saudi Arabian authorities have asked Nigerian pilgrims not to bring kola nuts during the 2016 Hajj.

“All those who intend to perform Hajj are therefore advised to adhere strictly to the Saudi rules and regulations on prohibited items,” NAHCON said in a statement. (Peoples Daily)

•Photo shows Hon. Dabiri-Erewa.

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