Independent Hajj Reporters, a Civil Society Organisation has lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for acquiring Metro Plaza Abuja to serve as the corporate headquarters of the Commission, and for the coordination of Hajj activities in the country.

This was contained in a statement, Sunday in Kaduna, jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud.

“It is with joy and sense of fulfilment that we rejoice with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah over the purchase of a befitting office complex that will serve as the Headquarters of Hajj and Umrah activities in the country. This achievement has demonstrated the capability and ability of Nigerian Muslim Ummah to conduct its religious affairs without intervention from the government.

“Raising N2 billion from mere service charges and commission to pay for Metro Plaza shows the high level of financial discipline and vision on the part of leadership of the commission.”

The group listed the cycle of benefits of the gigantic office complex to include the creation of conducive atmosphere for the staff of the Commission thereby raising their output for the benefit of our dear pilgrims, reduce the money spent by the Commission in renting event halls to host meetings, seminars and conferences and it will also serve as sources of revenue generation for the commission.

It added: “It is our hope that this achievement will herald the steady and gradual detachment of hajj exercise from the government in terms of financial support and inching Nigerian hajj system to move closer to the likes of Tambug Hajj of Malaysia who has become the richest hajj administrative group in the world.”

The Hajj Reporters also charged states’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, agencies and other Islamic religious bodies to strive for financial self reliance in order to be able to fulfil their religious obligations without interference.

“It is noteworthy that since its establishment by an Act of Parliament in 2006, NAHCON has been operating under a rented roof before it took the desirable step forward by acquiring its permanent office,” the statement added.

Update news