The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday dispatched its first team of officials to coordinate the 2019 Hajj activities in Saudi Arabia.

Addressing the team at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, admonished them to remember that they are travelling to Saudi Arabia as officials of the Federal Republic of Nigeria therefore their discipline, organised team work, commitment to the task ahead are crucial to the success of 2019 Hajj.

He emphasised on the importance of their good conduct to the image of the country, stressing that “the impression they create is the yardstick that will be used to judge Nigerian pilgrims.”

The chairman reminded them of their assignments which is to ensure comfort, dignity and security of pilgrims, without whom there will not be Hajj officials.

He called on them to respect hierarchy, treat all pilgrims well without discrimination, respect constituted authorities and maintain spirit of brotherhood among all pilgrims notwithstanding their nationality.

He called on team to pray for the success of President Muhammadu Buhari and all other Nigerian leaders; to pray for themselves and for the safety of pilgrims to in 2019 Hajj season.

The team of 39 NAHCON staff on advance assignment in Saudi Arabia is responsible for receiving pilgrims upon arrival in Madinah and Jeddah Airports, their feeding, beddings in their various accommodation, security, transportation, enlightenment and general monitoring.

The advanced team, led by Madinah coordinator who is also the Acting Secretary to the Commission, is expected to liaise with Saudi authorities in coordinating movement of pilgrims and updating the relevant authorities on new developments from the host country as they are being released.

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